In Iran, a 32-year-old man lost vision in one eye after excessive use of sildenafil, the active substance in the famous erectile dysfunction drug known as Viagra. The case was published in the renowned scientific journal Journal of Medical Case Reports.
The patient, who preferred to keep his identity confidential, ingested a dose of 100 grams of the substance, twice the amount recommended for those seeking to treat erectile dysfunction problems.
Shortly after taking the medication, the man began experiencing vision problems and was promptly taken to the hospital. However, the damage caused to his vision was so serious that health professionals considered the condition irreversible.
But how did this happen?
According to the medical report, the patient had a clot in the artery and veins that are responsible for blood flow in his right eye.
This led to retinal detachment and macular edema, a condition in which blood enters the eye tissue. It is important to highlight that the patient was previously considered healthy and had no history of clotting problems.
Sildenafil, which is the active substance in Viagra, is known for its role in relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, facilitating better blood flow to the organ. However, this Iranian case indicates that the medicine may have adverse effects on the eyes.
What explains this reaction?
Although serious cases of retinal complications associated with the use of this substance have been reported, the precise relationship between the medication and these conditions is still not completely clear.
The doctors who conducted the study suggest that additional research be carried out to further understand this relationship, especially in cases involving young men.
The question that arises is whether Viagra can, in fact, cause irreversible damage to vision. The main hypothesis raised is that the drug can affect the delicate blood vessels in the eyes, resulting in retinal problems.
With an increase in the incidence of similar cases, the scientific community is now redoubling its efforts regarding the risks associated with the use of Viagra, emphasizing the importance of conscious use and supervised by healthcare professionals.
It is critical that patients are aware of potential side effects and seek appropriate medical advice when considering the use of erectile dysfunction medications.
