Is there a link between Viagra (sildenafil, Pfizer) and central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC)? A report in Aprils Retina reviewed more than 1,500 case reports of sildenafil-associated ocular side effects. In eight of 11 cases, patients stopped taking the drug when CSC occurred. In six of these cases, patients vision improved. In three cases, the effects recurred when patients took Viagra again. But, two patients continued to experience CSC after they stopped taking the drug. Practitioners who see patients with refractory CSC should consider recommending cessation of sildenafil therapy, the authors write. However, a causal relationship has not yet been established.
J. James Thimons, O.D., chairman of the National Glaucoma Society, has been appointed to a three-year term on the Board of Directors of Prevent Blindness America. Dr. Thimons was inducted to the board at the annual meeting held in January at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in
Nestl has agreed to sell 74 million of its shares of Alcon common stock to Novartis. This means Novartis would own a 25% minority stake in Alcon, while Nestl would remain Alcons majority shareholder with approximately 52% of Alcon"s outstanding shares.
