Physicians have issued a warning that a small group of patients using popular weight loss and diabetes medications may experience vision loss. However, they have not confirmed a direct connection between the drugs and this condition.
Researchers found that patients using brand-name drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound reported eye problems. Seven out of nine patients in their study had blood flow issues affecting the optic nerve, while one patient had optic nerve inflammation. One patient experienced a blind spot, and others showed unusual symptoms.
The optic nerve plays a crucial role in vision by transmitting signals from the eyes to the brain. Damage to this nerve from reduced blood flow can lead to permanent partial vision loss. The affected patients, who were in their 50s and 60s, had diabetes or obesity, along with other cardiovascular issues that can also contribute to vision problems.
Dr. Norah Lincoff, a neurology professor at the University of Buffalo and co-author of the study, stated, “We’re trying to clarify if these drugs increase the risk of vision loss.”
The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology last month, is not the first to report vision problems linked to these medications. A July study from Mass Eye and Ear found that some people using semaglutide, a drug similar to those in the current study, had a higher risk of blindness.
Despite these findings, Dr. Joseph Rizzo, an ophthalmologist at Mass General Brigham, urged caution. “I would not advise patients to stop their medications based on our findings,” he said. “This is the first possible negative result from these drugs, but it calls for careful consideration between doctors and patients about who should use them.”
The study’s authors also pointed out that other drug classes have been linked to optic nerve disease in some patients.
While patients should not stop taking weight loss medications without consulting a doctor, they should be cautious and may need to adjust the dosage or stop the medication if they experience vision loss. Researchers suggest that the drugs’ ability to lower blood glucose may increase the risk of vision issues. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can temporarily affect vision for all diabetic patients, even those not on the medications. The drugs’ websites list changes in vision as a potential side effect.
A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, told The Independent that loss of blood flow to the optic nerve, known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is not listed as an adverse reaction for these medications. They emphasized that their safety evaluation does not suggest a link between the drugs and optic nerve issues.
“The benefit-risk profile of semaglutide remains unchanged,” the spokesperson added. “Our analysis of clinical trials does not indicate a causal relationship between GLP-1 receptor agonists and optic nerve damage.”
Dr. Lincoff concluded, “We are still investigating whether these drugs increase the risk of ischemic optic nerve damage. If a patient on these medications reports blurred vision or vision loss, they should see an ophthalmologist right away. It might be a result of blood sugar fluctuations, or something more serious.”
