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Known "man" pills impair vision
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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The drug sildenafil, better known as Viagra, is used to improve erectile function in men. This medication is quite popular, which can be explained by its effectiveness and extremely rare side effects. However, scientists have questioned the latter advantage. In particular, ophthalmology specialist from Turkey Dzuneyt Kararslan stated that Viagra causes problems with the organs of vision in some patients. [ 1 ]
Dr. Kararslan claims that the drug-induced impairments make it difficult to drive a car and perform some professional tasks. Scientists believe that such unpleasant potential effects should be discussed so that patients are aware of the possible risks and take timely measures.
Doctors say that visual disturbances after taking the drug may persist for 3 days.
Few people know that at the very beginning, sildenafil was created as a medicine for hypertension. But then experts noticed that this drug has pronounced vasodilatory properties and the ability to maintain a male erection for a long time. On average, the effect of Viagra lasts about five hours. When using the recommended amount of medication, side effects in the form of headaches occur only in isolated cases.
What do scientists say now about the side effects of the drug?
A doctor from Turkey said that during his practice, 17 patients had already come to him, complaining of visual impairment: blurred "pictures", light sensitivity, changes in color perception. For example, some pointed out increased color brightness, increased red and green shades in the image.
When collecting anamnesis, the doctor found out that all these men had taken Viagra several days earlier, in a dosage of about 100 mg. Visual disturbances were detected immediately after the drug began to act and continued to bother them for three days. Some of the patients considered it impossible to drive a car in such a condition. [ 2 ]
Scientists analyzed the situation and came to the conclusion that the indicated violations may be a consequence of the long-term breakdown and elimination of sildenafil from the body. Since the men took not the smallest recommended dosage, its elimination was somewhat delayed. In addition, as noted by specialists, the side symptom can more often bother those who took the drug for the first time.
Doctors advise: you should not immediately drink the maximum recommended amount of the drug: it is advisable to start treatment gradually, choosing the optimal dose for yourself. And even better - consult with your doctor in advance, who will prescribe the most suitable regimen for taking the medication.
This problem is described in detail in the scientific publication Frontiers in Neurology.