Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis and Vision Problems

If you use Levitra, Cialis, or Viagra, you may have heard about the possible effects they can have on your vision. Many people are unsure whether the vision problems these drugs cause is rumor or truth.

“Many patients come to me to learn more about vision problems associated with Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra, and tell the truth; yes, these drugs can cause serious vision problems,” says Dr. Stuart Lewis, an ophthalmologist in Denver, Colorado.

There is well-documented Information about Drugs like Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis and the side effects they can cause. These drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme in the body (PDE-5), and enhancing the effects of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a chemical within the body that stimulates smooth muscle and enhances blood flow, resulting in the desired effects.

Unfortunately, these medications can also affect blood flow in arteries in other parts of the body, producing serious, unwanted side effects. For instance, in addition to inhibiting the enzyme PDE-5, Viagra-like medications can also inhibit the enzyme PDE-6. This other enzyme functions in the photoreceptors in the eyes; the result is light sensitivity or blue-tinged vision.

In addition to this vision-related side effect Levitra, Cialis, and Viagra can also cause other side effects, including:

• Mausea

• Facial Flushing

• Headache

• Pulmonary Hypertension

• Nasal Congestion

• Gastrointestinal Problems

These side effects can have serious medical consequences, and they occur in about 3% of men who take 25 – 50 mg, 50% of men who take 200 mg, and a staggering 100% of men taking 600 – 800 mg of the drugs.

In addition to these side effects, there is also a very rare eye disorder that has been reported in several men using Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, and is now under investigation to determine if there is a link between the medication and this poorly understood vision problem.

This eye disorder is called Non-Arteric Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). NAION is the most common optic nerve disease that occurs in adults over the age of 50. In response to the possible link between NAION and medication like Viagra, Pfizer has stated: "Most of the cases in which NAION has occurred in men taking Viagra have involved patients with underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors associated with the development of NAION." Essentially, this means that relationship between Viagra and NAION cannot be determined at this time.

“The bottom line is, and what I tell all my patients, is that these medication should never be taken unless they are needed because there are serious health and visual risks associated with them,” says Dr. Lewis.

If you are considering taking Viagra, Levitra, or Cialis, it is important that you check with your ophthalmologist before taking any of the drugs if you suffer from:

• Diabetes

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

• Retinal Pthology

Latest and Advanced Information on Medicine

Bayer initially developed Levitra and manufactures the drug. Levitra is a prescription medicine that is used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Vardenafil is commonly marketed under the trade name Levitra. Levitra relaxes muscles and increases blood flow to particular areas of the body. As with all ED drugs, there is a rare risk of an erection lasting longer than four hours. A prolonged erection (priapism) can damage the penis. To avoid long-term injury, seek immediate medical attention. Levitra is a fast-acting phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitor drug that is prescribed to patients who have difficulty developing or maintaining an erection. Buy Levitra is effective for most men .

Levitra does not protect against physically transmitted diseases. Levitra is right for you and that you are healthy enough for physical activity. It works along with physical stimulation to help achieve an erection when taken 30 to 60 minutes before physical activity. Levitra (Vardenafil HCl) is an FDA approved oral prescription medication for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction, generally known as impotence, in men. Levitra has been proved to improve the quality of erections in men who have many different underlying health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure that can cause erectile dysfunction.

• Benefits of Levitra
• heart disease
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• certain pre-existing eye problems
• Side effects of Levitra
• decrease or loss of vision
• palpitation
• flushing
• irregular heartbeat
• dizziness
• feeling light-headed
• facial oedema
• increased sensitivity to light
• Doses of Levitra

In addition to the active ingredient, vardenafil HCl, each tablet contains microcrystalline cellulose, crospovidone, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol, titanium dioxide, yellow ferric oxide, and red ferric oxide. Levitra is available in tablet form in the following strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg and 20mg. The orange/yellow Levitra pill has the Bayer cross trademark on it. The usual starting dose of Levitra is 10mg once per day (60 minutes prior to physical activity). Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted.

Precautions before taking the Levitra Medicine

• Do not take Levitra if you are also using a nitrate drug for chest pain or heart problems.
• Take this medicine as prescribed by doctor.
• Do not store in the bathroom.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Do not take this medication more than once a day.
• This drug is taken 1 hour before physical activity with or without food.
• Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
• Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs.
• Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
• Do not share this medication with others, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug, or they may have a condition that is complicated by this drug.