Taking A Weight Loss Drug and Worried About Vision Loss?

A recent study* was published showing an increase in eye disease, for those taking Semaglutide, GLP-1 Antagonist, for weight loss.

Two of these three medications, Ozempic and Rybelsus, are FDA approved for treating Type II Diabetes. These are often used “off-label” for weight loss. Wegovy is FDA approved for those 12 and over to treat obesity.

The increase in the incidence of one eye disease, non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked. The blockage may cause sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye.

Mounjaro has a different method of action and was not included in this research study.

Our advice:

We are NOT recommending discontinuing the use of these weight loss drugs at this time.

For most adult patients, and all of our patients with diabetes, we always strongly encourage an annual dilated comprehensive eye exam. This is everyone’s best assurance of finding vision threatening conditions early enough to allow for treatment and prevention options.

Anytime you experience sudden vision loss or pain, you are encouraged to call us. Our phones are answered 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.  

*Health research takes many forms. This study was a thorough, peer reviewed analysis of those taking Semaglutide, covering almost 1,800 patient charts, over three years, at one hospital. Many scientists believe a different type of research project, a Phase IV (post marketing) randomized, controlled, clinical trial of those taking Semaglitude would best confirm the results of this research.