Study Links Tadalafil Use to Higher Risk of Glaucoma

A Taiwanese research team analyzed health records of nearly 74,000 men aged 40 and older and found that those prescribed tadalafil were 22% more likely to develop glaucoma than men who had not used phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. The risk rose to 33% for primary open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, and participants also faced a 32% higher chance of ocular hypertension, a key risk factor for glaucoma. The increased risk appeared regardless of treatment duration, with some cases emerging after just one month of use.

"Tadalafil use for lower urinary tract symptoms was associated with a statistically significant but modest increase in glaucoma risk," the study authors wrote.

The researchers emphasized that the observational design cannot prove causation, but they suggested that regular eye examinations may be advisable for men taking the medication, especially those with other glaucoma risk factors. Approximately five million tadalafil prescriptions were written in the United States in 2024, highlighting the potential public-health relevance of the findings. Glaucoma affects an estimated 4.22 million American adults, many of whom are unaware of the condition, which can lead to irreversible vision loss if untreated.

Experts note that early detection and treatment—through eye drops, oral medications or surgery—can help manage the disease and slow progression.