Viagra Blindness - Rare Coincidence or Side Effect?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently engaged in discussions with Pfizer over the possible link between the use of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) and the development of serious vision problems that could result in blindness. Although there has been no direct link established between phosphodiesterase (PDE) -5 inhibitors like Viagra and the development of vision problems, certain medical experts and members of the FDA are extremely concerned about a potential relationship.

Viagra Blindness Studies

Thus far, an FDA review of approximately 103 Viagra clinical trials has returned no conclusive connection between the use of the PDE-5 inhibitor and loss of vision; however, the debate wages on.

Of the approximately 23 million men to have used Viagra, the FDA is reportedly looking at 50 cases of Viagra-associated blindness. A study supported by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration (VHA) in Tampa, Florida detected a slight increase in the risk of NAION associated with repeated exposure to PDE-5 inhibitors. The case-control study evaluated some 4,150,000 (+) male veterans over 50 years of age. Although the study elicited results suggestive of a possible relationship between the use of Viagra and NAION, the relationship requires additional research and evaluation.

Nonetheless, experts believe that since PDE-5 inhibitors like Viagra function by altering blood flow in certain areas of the body, they could also influence circulation to areas like the optic nerve; such a loss in blood flow could therefore result in serious vision problems.

Viagra and NAION

Viagra users who have suffered loss of vision are typically victims of a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION / NION). NAION vision loss is caused by an insufficient level of blood flow to the optic nerve, the visual transmitter that connects the retina with the brain. NAION is a type of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) -- arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AAION) is the other type of AION.

NAION is more common than AAION and is associated with people suffering from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other "cardiovascular risk factors." NAION does not often result in complete blindness, though its effects can cause a significant loss of vision that can be categorized as "legal blindness."

Viagra Label Change?

The FDA and Pfizer are currently engaged in discussions regarding a Viagra label change that would alert consumers about the potential link between use of the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor and NAION.

A definitive connection has not yet been drawn between the use of Viagra and the development of vision problems; therefore, a label change suggesting the possibility of such problems could negatively impact the market for Viagra without conclusive justification. Such an issue has made a Viagra label change a topic of intense debate.

Viagra Lawsuits

If you or a loved one has suffered non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, blindness or some other vision problem as a result of using Viagra, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. The law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz boast some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer. Contact the lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at 877 810 4808 to learn more about your legal rights associated with Viagra NAION.