Mistaken diagnosis of optic neuritis and the possible role of phosphodiasterase-5 inhibitors (Sildenafil/Viagra)

The diagnosis of optic neuritis and particularly retrobulbar optic neuritis when atypical and not responsive to corticosteroid treatment may need to be revised. This is now especially so in male patients who should be questioned regarding their taking a phosphodiasterase-5 inhibitor in particular Viagra. The case history of such a patient is presented who sustained posterior ischaemic optic neuropathy mistaken for retrobulbar neuritis resulting in bilateral severe visual loss.