Viagra has helped many men suffering from erectile dysfunction, and it seems as though the medication could improve lives in other ways too.
Indeed, new research from New York’s Columbia University has found viagra may stop age-related macular degeneration (AMD); the primary cause of blindness in the UK.
Dry AMD – 90% of all AMD cases – usually affects those over the age of 50, triggered by new blood vessel growth over the macula, the part of the eye which identifies visual details.
These new blood vessels then emit fluid, resulting in scarring which gradually erodes sight at the centre of the eye – making once simple tasks such as facial recognition and reading difficult.
New research has concluded AMD is partially due to lack of blood flow to the choroid, an important tissue layer at the front of the retina. This builds upon earlier research suggesting blood flow can be improved through Viagra.
Researchers conducting the Columbia University study, which was published in the journal Ophthalmologica, administered two Viagra pills to five AMD patients over a two year period.
Patients underwent tests in areas such as spectral domain optical coherence tomography, colour fundus photography and visual acuity.
Incredibly, the anti-impotence medication improved one person’s vision, while completely stopping deterioration for the other four. No loss of vision was noted over the course of the 30 day follow up period.
The study concluded:
No change in calcified drusen was noted. Vitelliform-type soft drusen were not substantially changed. A participant with Best vitelliform macular dystrophy had a significant improvement in vision as well as in photoreceptor and ellipsoid layers.
Our research supports sildenafil as a safe treatment for age-related and vitelliform macular degenerations.
Thickened Bruch’s membrane reduces the beneficial effect of perfusion increase, but all eyes appear to benefit from PDE6.
Notably, maintenance or improvement in the photoreceptor layer may be the most significant result of sildenafil and is consistent with PDE6 inhibition. Thus, sildenafil treatment of macular degeneration offers significant potential for vision retention and recovery.
It is now hoped Viagra could help prevent further sight loss among AMD patients, even repairing existing deterioration. However, studies on a larger scale will be needed to back up these findings.
According to the MailOnline, Professor Sobha Sivaprasa said:
We now need bigger studies to replicate these findings before Viagra can be used as a treatment.
According to the Macular Society:
There are many forms of macular disease, but AMD is the most common, usually affecting people over the age of 50.
AMD affects central vision – it may become blurry or distorted and gaps or dark spots may appear. As AMD progresses, your ability to see clearly will change. However, it’s important to remember that no matter how advanced your macular degeneration is, you will not lose all your sight as there is always some peripheral vision remaining.
The older we are the greater our risk of developing AMD. Around one in every 200 people has AMD at 60. However, by the age of 90 it affects one person in five. We are all living longer so the number of people affected is increasing.
For further information about AMD, ring 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org
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Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.