A new study has found that men taking the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil (Cialis) for enlarged prostate symptoms may face a higher risk of developing glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness.
Researchers analysed health data from more than 74,000 men aged over 40 and found long-term tadalafil users had a significantly higher risk of glaucoma and increased eye pressure.
The study reported a 33% higher risk of primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form of the disease, among men prescribed the medication.
Scientists believe the drug’s effect on widening blood vessels may also influence eye pressure and optic nerve health, although the research does not prove the drug directly causes glaucoma.
Researchers stress that patients should not stop taking tadalafil without medical advice, as the benefits may still outweigh the risks for many people.
They recommend regular eye examinations, particularly for people taking the medication long term or those with existing glaucoma risk factors.
