More Viagra, Blindness Questions

Rare But Serious Cases Show Pill Might Cause Loss of Vision

(CBS)  But Dr. Howard Pomeranz, a neuro-ophthalmologist at the University of Minnesota, wonders if blindness has been written off to diabetes or other factors. When Viagra did play a role? He started investigating eye stroke in Viagra patients seven years ago, and has been a paid expert for both Pfizer and patients suing Pfizer.

"Viagra may be an additional risk factor that is over and above the risk factors they may already have," says Pomeranz.

Most compelling, say some: men with no risk factors at all have gone blind. British doctors published a case five years ago and said back then the potential for blindness should be discussed with all Viagra patients, especially since men using the drug are at high risk.

Pfizer wouldn't comment on that case. They will be changing the Viagra label to mention eye stroke, but insist "no scientific evidence suggests" Viagra causes eye stroke or any other severe vision problems. Pfizer also says: huge clinical studies reveal no serious eye issues, and the FDA is aware of the blindness reports but does not think Viagra caused them.

But one patient is not convinced.

"I don't think I would've taken the medicine at all because I don't think it would be worth taking a chance," he said.

He wishes he'd been warned that improving his sex life might jeopardize his eyesight.

Pfizer insists men reporting blindness would have gone blind anyway — without Viagra.