Some medications can have effects beyond the condition they’re intended to treat. Recent research has raised questions about a possible link between long-term tadalafil use, commonly known by the brand name Cialis, and an increased risk of glaucoma.
While the findings do not prove that tadalafil causes glaucoma, they highlight the importance of understanding your risk factors and keeping up with regular eye exams.
What Is the Connection Between Cialis and Glaucoma?
Tadalafil is commonly prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. A recent observational study found an association between long-term tadalafil use and a higher relative risk of elevated eye pressure and open-angle glaucoma.
However, an association does not mean the medication directly causes these conditions. The difference in absolute risk reported in the study was less than 1%, which is important context when interpreting the findings.
Researchers are still investigating how tadalafil may affect eye health. Because the medication relaxes blood vessels, it could potentially influence blood flow to the optic nerve or affect eye pressure. More research is needed to better understand these possible effects.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, which carries visual information from the eye to the brain. Without early detection and appropriate treatment, glaucoma can cause gradual, permanent vision loss.
Elevated eye pressure is an important risk factor for glaucoma, but the condition can also develop in people whose eye pressure falls within the normal range. Glaucoma often has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making regular comprehensive eye exams especially important.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing glaucoma, including:
- Age: The risk of glaucoma increases as you get older, particularly after age 50.
- Family history: Having a close relative with glaucoma can increase your risk.
- High nearsightedness: People with significant myopia may have a higher risk of certain types of glaucoma.
- Elevated eye pressure: Higher-than-normal pressure inside the eye can increase the risk of optic nerve damage.
If you take tadalafil and have one or more of these risk factors, talk with your eye doctor about whether additional evaluation is appropriate.
Should You Be Concerned About Your Eye Health?
The current research does not mean everyone taking Cialis will develop glaucoma. However, it reinforces the importance of understanding your individual risk and monitoring your eye health.
If you have other glaucoma risk factors, such as being over 50, having significant nearsightedness or having a family history of glaucoma, talk with your eye doctor about your risk and whether additional monitoring is recommended.
Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without speaking with your prescribing healthcare provider. If you have questions about how a medication may affect your eyes, your healthcare providers can help you understand the potential risks and determine the appropriate next steps.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Regular eye exams can help detect glaucoma and other eye conditions before you notice changes in your vision. If you have elevated eye pressure, a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors, an evaluation can help your eye doctor determine whether further testing or monitoring is needed.
Concerned about glaucoma or your risk factors? The ophthalmologists at Center for Advanced Eye Care can help assess your eye health and discuss appropriate next steps.
Call 833-921-6200 or request an appointment online.