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A new study has suggested that people taking the weight-loss and diabetes drug semaglutide—marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy—may be at a slightly increased risk of developing a potentially blinding eye condition known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The research, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that patients prescribed semaglutide had a 32% increased relative risk of NAION compared to those not taking the drug. NAION, which causes sudden vision loss in one eye, results from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, impairing its ability to transmit images to the brain.
Previous Research and Findings
This study follows a 2024 investigation conducted at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston, which reported a more than fourfold increased risk of NAION with semaglutide use. While the latest research provides additional evidence of a link, it suggests a smaller risk than previously estimated.
Dr. Cindy Cai, the study’s lead author and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, noted that while there is an association between semaglutide and NAION, more research is needed to determine the exact cause of this potential risk. Interestingly, the study did not find a significantly increased risk of NAION for semaglutide users compared to those taking other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for diabetes management.
Assessing the Risks and Benefits
The study examined health records of over 37 million individuals with type 2 diabetes, including more than 810,000 who were prescribed semaglutide. The incidence rate of NAION among semaglutide users was approximately 14 cases per 100,000 person-years.
Dr. Cai emphasized the importance of weighing the rare but serious risk of vision loss against the drug’s significant health benefits, which include better management of type 2 diabetes, substantial weight loss, and reduced risks of major cardiovascular events.
In an accompanying editorial, Dr. Joseph Rizzo, director of the neuro-ophthalmology service at Mass Eye and Ear, stressed that patients should not discontinue semaglutide based solely on this potential risk. The editorial highlighted that abruptly stopping treatment could lead to adverse effects, including poor diabetes control and increased cardiovascular risks. However, caution was advised for individuals with a history of visual impairment.
As further studies explore the underlying mechanisms of this association, experts recommend that patients consult their healthcare providers to discuss any concerns and make informed decisions about their treatment plans.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Patients should consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to their medication regimen.
