Sildenafil (Viagra) is a PDE5 inhibitor in wide use for the treatment of erectile
dysfunction. It is known to increase the level of
cGMP, and ultimately increases penile response to sexual
stimulation. Sildenafil preferentially inhibits PDE5
more than PDE6, both of which are expressed in the retina. Therefore, there is a potential for this drug to
alter retinal function, not only in normal subjects, but also in
patients with PDE6 gene mutations such as in some forms of
RP.