Why does Viagra cause colored vision?

Why does Viagra cause colored vision?
Steve Hinson, PhD - Life Sciences Published : Feb 04, 2024 Last Updated : Feb 07, 2024

Viagra is a popular anti-impotence drug that helps men get the firm erection needed for sex. It is unclear whether it's also effective in treating sexual dysfunction in females. Viagra is a prescription-based drug you can take an hour before sexual intercourse.

Sildenafil citrate is an active ingredient of Viagra; it's a medication belonging to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. Viagra increases blood flow to the penis by relaxing the blood vessels around it.

Sildenafil is also helpful in treating symptoms of pulmonary material hypertension (PAH). The dose and duration of Sildenafil may vary for treating PAH, so follow the doctor's prescription. 

Viagra comes in oral tablets, available in different dosage strengths like 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg. Take the ideal dose as your doctor suggests for your Erectile dysfunction problem.

While reaping the benefits of Viagra, some men can come across its common side effects. Among these, coloured vision can appear due to the use of Viagra in some cases. Read on to know more about why Viagra causes coloured vision( mainly a blue tinge to vision) and how one can get rid of it. 

Why does Viagra cause colored vision?

Sildenafil citrate present in Viagra improves penile erection by inhibiting PDE5. It works by improving the levels of cGMP that handles the relaxation of the blood vessels. But during this, Sildenafil also exerts a minor inhibitory action against an enzyme PDE6. Phosphodiesterase type 6 is present only in rod and cone photoreceptors.

Photoreceptors are specialized cells located in the retina of the eye, and the action of Sildenafil can impact them. When Sildenafil takes in a higher dose can cause mild and transient visual symptoms in some rare cases. They may experience a blue tinge to vision and increased brightness of light effects. 

Thus, various clinical and preclinical studies have been conducted to examine the effects of Sildenafil on the visual system. In preclinical studies, Sildenafil had transistor reversible effects on electrical response to the light. 

So possible Viagra may cause coloured vision as a side effect in men taking higher doses of it. Some other side effects that can appear during the use of Sildenafil tablets are-

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Stomach upset
  • Body pain
  • Nasal congestion
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity towards light
  • Prolong or painful erection lasting for more than 4 hours

If you suspect any of the following side effects, please consult a doctor to seek medical care.

Some advice for men

Several studies have linked the onset of NAION to starting Viagra(Sildenafil). However, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has not shown to cause vision loss condition due to Sildenafil use. 

Men with a history of diabetes, heart-related conditions or high blood pressure are more likely to face Ed. And for the treatment of such sexual dysfunction, one may potentially need the use of Viagra. However, these conditions can also make NAION more likely to appear. 

A study conducted in 2006 noted that" because of the overlap in underlying risk factors linked to NAION and Ed, it is difficult to determine the use of Ed drugs safely without any risk for NAION. 

But according to the studies, men who have already been suffering from NAION should avoid using Sildenafil. 

Also, AAO recommends people talk with a doctor if a person has retinitis pigmentosa, an inherited eye disease. The condition can cause slowly losing vision, and let your doctor know about this if you have it before you start taking Viagra. 

Knowing the risk of transient and permanent vision loss problems is important if you also have Ed. One should immediately report to a doctor if they suspect any visual side effects from Viagra. 

According to the experts, discussing your medical history is the best way to deal with such risk. Next, slowly start the Viagra treatments and look out for anything unexpected. And start with a minimal dose until you find how it affects you, can be the best way to check the effects of Viagra on your body. 

Better you do not take a higher dose of viagra or sildenafil tablets than the directed one as it may increase the chances of facing coloured vision or other visual problems. 

Some Faqs

Why does Viagra make me see purple?

It depends on how Viagra will affect the rods and cones photoreceptors of the eye of the consumer. Sildenafil and PDE5 can exert a minor inhibitory action against the enzyme PDE6. And as a result, it may lead to rod-cone dysfunction that can make your vision colouring violet or blue. 

How long does colored vision last after Viagra?

The colored vision(mainly blue vision) and other unwanted effects that appear as a side effect of Viagra may take up to 5 hours or longer to subside. 

Is Colored from Viagra permanent?

No, it's a temporary vision change that Viagra(Sildenafil) may cause as its side effect. Also, a person may suspect blurred vision and cyanopsia, which may take 3 to 5 hours to disappear.