Study Links Erectile Dysfunction Drug Tadalafil to Increased Glaucoma Risk
Research suggests men using tadalafil for erectile dysfunction may face a higher risk of glaucoma and ocular hypertension, warranting regular eye check-ups.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 25, 2026
2 min read
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has found an association between the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil and an elevated risk of glaucoma, a serious eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss.
The research analyzed health records of nearly 74,000 men aged 40 and above suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms. It compared 36,927 men prescribed tadalafil with an equal number who were not on similar medication, tracking their health outcomes over a period of up to five years.
Key Findings
- Men using tadalafil were 22% more likely to develop glaucoma than non-users.
- The risk of ocular hypertension, or increased pressure inside the eye, was 32% higher among tadalafil users.
- Primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common glaucoma form, was 33% more prevalent in the group taking tadalafil.
- Users were also 33% more likely to initiate glaucoma treatment during the follow-up period.
Glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain, often progressing silently without early symptoms. By the time vision problems arise, significant and irreversible damage may have occurred.
Study Limitations and Recommendations
The researchers emphasized that while the study shows a significant association, it does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship due to its observational nature. Factors such as medication changes and other health conditions could not be fully controlled, and the majority of participants were White, which may limit broader applicability.
Medical experts advise against discontinuing tadalafil without consulting healthcare providers. Instead, men using the drug long-term—especially those with a family history of glaucoma or other risk factors like high eye pressure and severe myopia—should undergo regular eye examinations to monitor their ocular health.
Further research is needed to clarify how tadalafil might influence eye physiology and to confirm whether it contributes directly to glaucoma development.
