A study of over 70,000 men suggests long-term daily use of tadalafil for urinary issues may increase the risk of developing glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

A new observational study indicates that men taking the drug tadalafil, commonly known as Cialis, for long-term urinary tract symptoms may face a higher risk of developing glaucoma. Researchers analyzed medical records of more than 70,000 men aged 40 and older between 2012 and 2022. While the study found an association between the medication and eye health issues, experts emphasize that the overall risk remains low, particularly for those using the drug only occasionally for erectile dysfunction.

Study Findings and Risk Factors

The analysis compared men taking tadalafil for urinary tract symptoms against those who were not over a five-year period. Participants prescribed the drug were 22% more likely to develop glaucoma, 32% more likely to develop ocular hypertension, and 33% more likely to develop primary open-angle glaucoma or begin glaucoma treatment. Researchers noted that the study was observational and cannot definitively prove that tadalafil caused these conditions. Medical experts advise that patients taking the medication daily, especially those with a family history of glaucoma or existing ocular hypertension, should undergo regular eye exams. Because the study participants were primarily white, researchers noted that the findings may not be universally applicable to all ethnic backgrounds.

Expert Perspective on Treatment

Urologists noted that there are multiple treatment options for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, including behavioral modifications and different classes of medication. Dr. Craig Comiter of Stanford University stated that the absolute risk increase associated with daily tadalafil use was less than 1%. Experts recommend that patients and physicians engage in shared decision-making to determine the best treatment based on individual risk profiles.