United States: Yes, rare instances of eye problems have shown up in those taking popular GLP-1 weight loss drugs, but it’s still not clear whether the medications caused the eye troubles, a new small study concluded.
The study looked at the cases of nine people who developed sight-robbing problems, including dysfunction of blood vessels around the optic nerve of the eye, after taking a GLP-1, as reported by HealthDay.
“We’re trying to elucidate if being on these drugs can increase your risk,” said study co-author Dr. Norah Lincoff. She’s a neuro-ophthalmologist and professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo.
What the Study Found
Published recently in JAMA Opthalmology, the study analyzed data from nine patients aged 50 or 60 who have been on GLP-1s like semaglutide (Wegovy/ Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound).
Seven of the nine patients developed nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It occurs when blood does not reach the optic nerve, which is essential to sight. Damage to the nerve may lead to a sudden, permanent partial loss of vision in NAION.
In a patient who lost vision in one eye suddenly and without pain after starting semaglutide, John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah Health in Salt Lake City lead study author Dr. Bradley Katz first noticed the problem. The patient stopped using the drug for a short time before resuming use, at which time vision loss occurred in the other eye.
Katz was alarmed and used a listserve to ask other ophthalmologists if they had noticed anything similar in their patients. The new study outlines the nine case reports from that query.
Seven of the nine patients had developed NAION and a ‘maculopathy’ – a blank area in your vision – in another patient, but that developed after a GLP-1. Another developed papillitis is an inflammation of the head of the optic nerve.
The researchers also note that NAION has been attributed to the use of erectile dysfunction meds as well as drugs that treat irregular heartbeats in very rare cases.
Could Underlying Conditions Be a Factor?
But common chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, or obesity, have also been found to play an additional role in bringing on vision trouble. All nine patients were taking a GLP 1 because of their obesity and/or diabetic condition, the authors indicate.
According to the researchers, it is unclear if the patients’ eyesight issues were caused by their usage of a GLP-1 or by any underlying medical disorders.
In rare instances, abrupt, sharp, and healthy drops in blood sugar that can occur with GLP-1 administration may even increase the risk of eye damage, according to Lincoff.
No Need to Panic—Just Stay Informed
“So, are these drugs increasing the risk for an episode of visual loss?” Lincoff asked. “The message to the patient is that we are still investigating if these drugs put them at higher risk of ischemic optic nerve damage.”
As for doctors, she offered this advice: “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. Maybe it’s a fluctuation in glucose or it could be something more serious.”
The researchers advised everyone currently taking a GLP-1 not to worry in the interim. Although it is extremely uncommon for the medications to cause vision problems, consult your doctor if problems do occur, as reported by HealthDay.
“We have other ways to control diabetes and weight loss,” Lincoff concluded. “There are many options for patients.”