Reports of vision loss among men who have used Viagra have started to worry officials of the Food and Drug Administration.   This has resulted to a heightened and worldwide awareness campaign about the possible side effects and contraindications of Viagra.

While FDA officials have not issued any conclusive statement about the issue, it has cautioned users about the possible linkage between vision loss and the conditions causing impotence.  At the same time, the FDA has met with the manufacturers of Viagra and other erectile dysfunction drugs to discuss the inclusion of vision loss and even blindness in their labels.

Medical experts are still unsure about the relationship between erectile dysfunction drugs like Viagra and vision loss caused by non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION.  They have however identified the risk factors for this condition and this includes heart problems and diabetes.  NAION is commonly known as a stroke of the eye.

Several studies have indicated the occurrence of NAION or vision loss among patients who have ingested Viagra.  What is conclusive however is that Viagra can result to changes in vision especially in the way they view the colors green and blue.

The FDA could not just withdraw Viagra from the market considering that it is a very effective medication for erectile dysfunction, with estimated sales of $438 million for a quarter of the year alone.  Pfizer considers Viagra one of its best selling drugs although it is already faced with various lawsuits from Viagra users.

Doctors have also issued a warning that patients who have a history of NAION blindness in one eye are at a greater risk of getting permanent NAION vision loss after ingesting Viagra.

Pfizer however denied that Viagra is the cause of the documented NAION blindness saying they have tested 13 thousand patients and found no direct cause and effect between Viagra and NAION.  The company also dismissed the claims against Viagra saying that over 23 million men all over the world have safely used Viagra. 

To be on the safe side, patients who have serious health conditions like hypertension, angina or other heart problems as well as diabetes should consult with their doctors first before taking in Viagra.  The prescribed dosage should also be strictly followed to avoid increasing the risk of side effects.  Doctors have also reminded Viagra users that increasing the dosage of Viagra contrary to their doctor’s prescription will not make the drug more effective for them.