Purpose: To assess the effect of Viagra (sildenafil citrate) on the intraocular pressure of patients with open angle glaucoma.
Methods: This study included a group of 15 patients with chronic Open Angle Glaucoma. In a randomized, placebo controlled, masked, cross over study design, a single dose of sildenafil citrate 100mg or matching placebo was administered on two separate days. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry at baseline, and then, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 hours after dosing. Brachial artery systolic and diastolic blood pressures were determined by sphygmomanometry.
Results: In comparison to the effect following the administration of placebo, no statistically or clinically significant change in IOP was detected after sildenafil (Anova, P=0.20). In comparison to placebo, no significant changes in mean systemic blood pressure (P=0.12) or heart rate (P=0.72) were detected after sildenafil treatment.
Conclusion: These results suggest that sildenafil citrate, at the maximum therapeutic dose, does not produce any statistically or clinically significant change in intraocular pressure in this group of glaucoma patients. This type of information is of importance for glaucoma patients who suffer from erectile dysfunction.