Tadalafil linked to 22% higher glaucoma risk in large study

A large observational study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has linked long-term tadalafil use to a 22% higher risk of developing glaucoma in men. The research analyzed anonymized health records from 73,854 male patients aged 40 or older within the TriNetX Analytics Network between 2012 and 2022.

The study specifically focused on men taking low daily doses of tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) to manage lower urinary tract symptoms, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, rather than as-needed use for erectile dysfunction. While the relative risk was 22% higher, the absolute difference was small: just under 4% of tadalafil users were diagnosed with glaucoma over five years, compared to approximately 3% of the control group.

Researchers emphasized that the study establishes a statistical connection but does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. They are not advising patients to stop the medication but are suggesting that men using these drugs for urinary symptoms may warrant closer ophthalmic monitoring.