Consider Asking the Next Male with an Ocular Complaint if He Takes ED Medication

It’s not uncommon for patients with nonemergent eye complaints to present to urgent care. What might not be top of mind for male patients with ocular symptoms, however, is whether use of erectile dysfunction medications could be the root of the problem. An article recently published by JAMA Network might move you to consider it, though. “Regular use of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for [ED] was associated with increased risks of serous retinal detachment (SRD), retinal vascular occlusion (RVO), and ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) among older U.S. men,” according to the study. Popular ED medications avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra) are all PDE5I products. This does not mean ED products are solely responsible for eye-related visits to urgent care, of course. For a broader view, see Management of Ocular Complaints in Urgent Care: Part 1 and Management of Ocular Complaints in Urgent Care: Part 2.