Semaglutide Linked to Vision Loss: What This Means for Patients

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A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has sparked concerns over the potential link between semaglutide—a key ingredient in popular weight-loss and diabetes medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—and a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss. Here's an in-depth look at the relationship between semaglutide and eye health.

Semaglutide and NAION

According to the new study, semaglutide may increase the risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition, which results from insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve, can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

The recent study highlighted that patients taking semaglutide were more likely to develop NAION compared to those on other medications for Type 2 diabetes or weight loss. The cumulative incidence of NAION for the semaglutide vs non-semaglutide cohorts over 36 months was 6.7% and 0.8%, respectively.

NAION is essentially an eye stroke caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. It is more prevalent in middle-aged or older individuals, and factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea can increase the risk.

Symptoms include vision loss, blurred vision, color distortion, and light sensitivity. Currently, there is no proven treatment for NAION, but managing vascular risk factors can help prevent it.

Semaglutide and Diabetic Neuropathy

Beyond NAION, semaglutide has been linked to diabetic retinopathy, a complication arising from damaged blood vessels in the retina, which is the leading cause of blindness among American adults.

Interestingly, while managing diabetes is expected to reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy, semaglutide might initially worsen this condition as blood sugar levels stabilize. But similar to NAION, the research surrounding diabetic neuropathy and semaglutide remains inconclusive.

What This Means for Semaglutide Users

The authors of the study emphasize that their findings are observational, meaning further research is necessary to confirm the risk.

Despite these preliminary findings, the study underscores the importance of patient-doctor discussions, especially for those with pre-existing eye conditions or significant visual loss. Dr. Joseph Rizzo, the lead author, called the results "significant but tentative."

"Our findings should be viewed as being significant but tentative, as future studies are needed to examine these questions in a much larger and more diverse population,” Rizzo said in a press release.

“This is information we did not have before and it should be included in discussions between patients and their doctors, especially if patients have other known optic nerve problems like glaucoma or if there is preexisting significant visual loss from other causes."

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, acknowledges the study's limitations and is conducting further research on semaglutide's long-term effects on diabetic retinopathy, expected to conclude in 2027.

For those taking semaglutide or considering it, the current stance is not to discontinue the medication without consulting a healthcare provider.

Patients on semaglutide should maintain open communication with their healthcare providers to weigh the benefits and potential risks. If there are concerns about eye health or existing conditions, it is crucial to discuss these with a doctor to ensure the chosen treatment plan remains beneficial.