The wonder pill -
Viagra
- continues to generate heat both on and off the bed even after 8 years of its
regular supply in the market.
The results of Viagra have astounded and silenced the bitterest
of its critics, yet controversy seems to be the middle as well as the last name
of 'Viagra'. The latest to hit the news is a study from the University of Alabama
at Birmingham, funded by Research to Prevent Blindness Inc. and the Eyesight
Foundation of Alabama, that indicates men with a history of heart attack who
use the erectile dysfunction (ED) medications -- like Viagra or Cialis -- may
be at increased risk for vision loss.
The study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology
links the use of ED drugs with Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy
(NAION), a condition affecting up to 6,000 people each year in the US alone.
Known as the "stroke of the eye" in the medical parlance, NAION can
cause vision loss in one or both eyes. NAION is the result of insufficient blood
flow to the optic nerve head, damaging the nerve and leading to permanent vision
loss.
This is not for the first time that studies have indicated
a relationship between Viagra and vision loss. In fact, FDA is apprised of the
situation and continues to monitor the contra-results of the drug since 2005.
Various consumer groups have taken up cudgels against the manufacturers
of the drug -- Pfizer Inc. Public Citizen Group advocates the need for stronger
warnings on the packaging of ED drugs about the risk of blindness.
However, despite the strong indications of serious side effects
of the drug, the online pharmacies continue to register bumper sales of Viagra
online. People prefer to buy Viagra
online mainly due to the availability of cheap
Viagra in the cyberspace. Many online pharmacies offer Viagra online at
a heavy discount. Viagra still proves to be an effective antidote for the disgruntled
couples and they are prepared to take an extra risk in order to satisfy themselves.
