A recent medical review raises alarms about the vision safety of some popular diabetes and weight loss medications.
According to the New York Post, A study highlights serious eye conditions potentially linked to GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, used primarily for diabetes and weight loss.
In an article published by JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers at the University of Utah’s John A. Moran Eye Center reported that medications like semaglutide and tripeptide—sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Mounjaro—could be linked to vision problems. Vision loss cases triggered by these drugs include conditions affecting the optic nerve. The study analyzed the adverse effects reported by patients using these GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Doctors identified at least nine patients who suffered significant vision reduction after receiving these drugs. The conditions highlighted were severe and uncommon, including nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), papillitis, and paracentral acute middle maculopathy.
The patients affected were mainly in their 50s and 60s. They had diabetes or obesity and also suffered from cardiovascular issues, which are known to contribute to eye health problems. However, the direct correlation between GLP-1 medication use and these specific optical conditions prompted further investigation.
The popularization of GLP-1 medications in recent years, recognized for their efficacy in promoting weight loss and increasing fullness, has been significant. About 12% of the U.S. population has used these drugs at some point, with around 6% currently taking them, per findings from a 2024 study.
Aside from the potential for severe vision problems, GLP-1 drugs are also linked to a variety of other side effects. Commonly reported issues include gastrointestinal symptoms, erectile dysfunction, personality changes, and even unusual pain sensations known as allodynia.
Drug manufacturers have continued to develop and promote these medications, noting other potential health benefits. For instance, certain GLP-1 drugs have been highlighted for reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and even aiding in treating sleep apnea among obese individuals.
Despite this, the primary concern for medical professionals is the safety related to vision. As ongoing research further investigates the gamut of effects, many remain wary about the extensive use of these drugs.
Pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, the main producers of these drugs, have responded to these findings. Novo Nordisk acknowledged the concern around NAION, emphasizing that patient safety remains their paramount concern. In response to these claims, they cited outcomes from trials overseen by blind ophthalmologists that showed no direct causality between GLP-1 RA use and incidences of NAION.
According to Bradley Katz, an ophthalmologist at the University of Utah and lead author of the study, “This review was not conducted in any way that we can say these drugs caused the complications.” However, he stressed the importance of monitoring symptoms that suggest vision trouble.
Norah S. Lincoff, a co-author of the paper and professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo, articulated a clear message for clinicians, “The message to the primary care provider is, if a patient on one of these medications calls you and says that there is blurring or vision loss, have them see their ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Don’t wait.” This precaution seeks to mitigate the risk and allow for prompt intervention.
The reported cases form part of an ongoing debate about the balance between the benefits and risks of these drugs. Research continues to unfold, aiming to clarify the mechanisms behind the drug-induced vision problems and assess the broader implications for patient health across various populations.
