Final answer:
A bluish tinge to vision is the most common ocular side effect associated with the use of oral PDE5 inhibitors. These medications affect the vasodilation signaling pathways in the eye, leading to potential visual disturbances.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common ocular complaint related to the use of oral phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE 5) inhibitors is a bluish tinge to vision. PDE5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil, were originally investigated for the treatment of hypertension and angina pectoris during the 1990s, but they were found to be more effective at promoting erections in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). These medications work by affecting the vasodilation signaling pathway, which is also present in the vasculature of the eye, potentially leading to visual disturbances. While these inhibitors are successful in treating ED in approximately 70 to 85 percent of cases, they can also cause ocular side effects. A bluish tinge to vision is one of the known side effects along with other possible visual disturbances such as blurred vision or increased sensitivity to light.