Since Viagra hit the erectile dysfunction scene with a big boom in 1998, many critics of the drug have been associating it with NAION, an optical disorder. But Pfizer, the manufacturer of the oral pill has come out rather strongly in the face of such criticisms, after carrying out a series of clinical tests on the side effects of Viagra. Even the federal drug agency (FDA) adhered to the statement of Pfizer that the intake of Viagra doesn't necessarily mean an increased risk of blindness.

Much has been reported in the media about the side effects and dangers of Viagra. Every other day you will find articles and research papers with head lines running loudly as 'use of erectile dysfunction drug like Viagra is related to a high degree of vision loss.' It has led to a number of people taking on the offensive, with some patients even going to the extent of suing the company for reasons of vision loss due to Viagra.

Most of these researches on Viagra and vision loss focus on the most common optical problem among the old called NAION. It stands for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. This is the most acute optic nerve disorder that affects a big number of old people. Most of its characteristics are similar to erectile dysfunction. Both these diseases are commonly found in people above 50 years of age. And both of them relate to high blood pressure, diabetes and high level of cholesterol.

Clinical tests conducted by Pfizer reveal an altogether different picture. Dr.Joseph Feczko, the chief medical officer of Pfizer stated in a press release that people who take Viagra are in no more risks to have NAION than people of the same age and health group, who don't take Viagra. Most of the cases of people getting NAION due to Viagra stand the same risk of getting the optical problem, even without taking Viagra.

Pfizer and all the drug regulatory authorities around the world have been carrying out continuous research on this aspect of Viagra since 1998. The results of most of the agencies assert that there is no evidence to prove or even suggest that Viagra has high risk of increasing blindness. It is seen that most of the reported NAION cases occurred in Viagra users with underlying anatomic or vascular risk factors associated with the development of NAION. So, these people would have developed NAION, Viagra or no Viagra.

However the press release of Pfizer came with a tag towards the end. It states that though Viagra is not related to any ocular disease like NAION, Viagra can have adverse effects on the eye of some patients, if they have medical conditions that are not conducive to receiving Viagra in their system. This has made Pfizer to label the warning on Viagra after consultations with the FDA.

Pfizer finally has the last word. They advise that Viagra is a prescription drug; hence it should be taken only after strict consultations with a qualified physician. If Viagra is taken under such well regulated conditions, there is no fear of the risk of NAION.

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