Changes in Posterior Ocular Structures in Individuals Using Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitor

Abstract

Purpose

To examine posterior ocular structures with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in individuals using a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor (PDI, tadalafil).

Method

This prospective study included 26 eyes of 26 patients who used 1 tablet of 5-mg tadalafil regularly every day for 1 month due to erectile dysfunction. The routine ophthalmological examinations of the participants were performed at the pre-tadalafil and post-tadalafil first-month visits. At both visits, OCT was used to measure the central retinal thickness (CRT), ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (GCL + IPL) thicknesses, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL; average and superior, temporal, inferior, and nasal quadrants) thicknesses. The disc area, rim area, average and vertical cup/disc ratio, and cup volume of the optic disc head were evaluated. Choroidal thickness was measured from five points: the subfoveal area and the nasal and temporal areas 500 and 1500 microns from the fovea. Choroidal vascular area values and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were calculated using a special binarization technique.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 56 ± 8(range 34–72) years. No significant difference was detected in the CRT,GCL + IPL thicknesses,or pRNFL thicknesses in any of the quadrants before and after tadalafil use.The optic disc head measurements and choroidal thickness values measured from five points were similar between the two visits.The luminal choroidal area was 0.15 ± 0.04 mm² before tadalafil use and 0.17 ± 0.05 mm² after 1-month tadalafil use, with no statistically significant difference. The remaining choroidal vascular parameters, namely the stromal and total choroidal area and CVI values, were similar between the two visits.

Conclusion

This study showed no significant change in the posterior ocular structures in individuals using tadalafil regular daily use for 1 month due to erectile dysfunction.

Keywords:

• Phosphodiesterase inhibitor
• choroid
• posterior ocular structure
• retina
• tadalafil

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author [MI], upon reasonable request.