BLOKES who take Viagra are almost twice as likely to suffer sight problems that can lead to blindness, research reveals.

US scientists analysed data on 213,000 men taking medication for erectile dysfunction.

They found regular users of four common sex drugs – Viagra, Cialis, Levitra and Stendra – saw their risk of developing a serious eye condition jump by 85 per cent.

It includes retinal detachment, where patients experience floaters across their vision, and damaged blood supply to the optic nerve leaving sufferers with loss of sight.

Lead researcher Dr Mahyar Etminan, from the University of British Columbia, warned there is a “strong link” between three eye problems and the drugs.

And urged users to “seek medical attention” if they experience any changes in their vision.

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Experts fear the sex pills impact blood flow to the eye, triggering sight problems.

Erectile dysfunction, also known as impotence, is the inability to get and maintain a stiffie.

Around five million Brits – 40 per cent of older blokes – are affected by the condition.

Causes can be psychological or physical, from stress and depression to conditions which affect blood flow, including heart disease and diabetes.

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The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, looked at a group of drugs called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.

It includes Viagra and its generic equivalent, sildenafil.

Around 3.5 million prescriptions are handed out annually in the UK, while many more men buy it over the counter for about £4.

Dr Etminan added: "These medications address erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow, but we know that they can also hinder blood flow in other parts of the body.

“So although our study doesn't prove cause-and-effect, there is a mechanism by which these medications could conceivably lead to these problems.

“The totality of the evidence points toward a strong link."

The new research found those taking the sex pills had a 2.6 fold rise in the risks of serous retinal detachment, twice the chance of ischemic optic neuropathy, and 44 per cent rise in retinal vascular occlusion.

Although all three conditions are rare, they can trigger sight loss.

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