Subjective visual halos after sildenafil (Viagra) administration: Electroretinographic evaluation

Ophthalmology. 2001 May;108(5):877-81. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(00)00648-5.

Abstract

Purpose: The ophthalmologic and electroretinographic (ERG) findings in one subject with subjective visual disturbances after sildenafil administration are described.

Design: Interventional case report.

Methods: A complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, including best-corrected visual acuity and ERG, repeated 1 and 2 hours after administration of 100 mg of sildenafil.

Main outcome measures: Rod responses were obtained over a range of retinal illuminances from those producing a minimum detectable response to those producing rod saturation. Intensity amplitude function was determined.

Results: At 2 hours after 100 mg of oral sildenafil, we observed significant variations from baseline in parameters of best-fit Naka-Rushton function; V(max) was notably higher, and K was 0.14 log units lower than baseline.

Conclusions: Sildenafil administration resulted in a higher rod response to light stimuli and in a higher rod sensitivity. These findings are consistent with the weak PDE-6 inhibition induced by sildenafil.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Aged
  • Electroretinography
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Piperazines / adverse effects*
  • Purines
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / drug effects*
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / pathology
  • Retinal Rod Photoreceptor Cells / physiopathology
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • Sulfones
  • Vision Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Vision Disorders / diagnosis
  • Vision Disorders / physiopathology
  • Visual Acuity

Substances

  • Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Purines
  • Sulfones
  • Sildenafil Citrate
  • 3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases