Ozempic & Wegovy (Semaglutide) Causing Blindness? Let’s Talk About It.

By now you’ve probably seen the headlines warning about Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide), popular GLP-1 agonists, and their potential to cause blindness. It's understandable to be concerned, but let's break down what this means and compare it to the risks posed by diabetes and obesity.

Understanding the Risk of NAION with GLP-1 Agonists

NAION, or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, is a rare condition that leads to sudden vision loss. Recent studies have hinted at a potential link between GLP-1 agonists and NAION. It’s important to keep in mind that further studies are needed to better understand this link and establish causality​ (Diabetes Care)​.

Vision-Threatening Risks in Diabetes and Obesity

Let’s pause here for a bit and talk about the risk of vision threatening eye disease in people who don’t use GLP-1 agonists.

Diabetes Mellitus and Vision Loss

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major concern for people with diabetes, with about 10.2% developing vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy (VTDR)​ (IJRetina)​. This condition results from prolonged high blood sugar damaging the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to blindness if not managed properly.

Obesity and Vision Loss

Obesity is linked to a higher risk of several serious eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and glaucoma​​. These conditions are often exacerbated by poor blood sugar control and high blood pressure, common in obese individuals. 

Let’s Put it into Perspective

The risk of NAION with GLP-1 agonists is relatively low and needs more research to establish a causal link​ (Diabetes Care)​. Further studies will help us to identify possible routes to limiting the risk of NAION and lowering the incidence risk even further. In contrast, the complications from diabetes and obesity are well-documented and affect a significant portion of the population.

Symptoms to Watch For and When to Seek Help

If you're using GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy, be aware of NAION symptoms:

• Sudden vision loss in one eye

• Painless vision loss

• Blurred or distorted vision

• Seeing floating spots or lights

If you experience these symptoms, contact a healthcare professional immediately. For any life-threatening symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911 right away.

Where does this leave GLP-1 Agonists?

Despite potential risks, GLP-1 agonists offer significant benefits for managing diabetes and obesity. They improve blood sugar control and promote weight loss, which can reduce the risk of complications like diabetic retinopathy and other obesity-related eye diseases​ (Diabetes Care)​. Effective management of diabetes and obesity also leads to a reduction in the risk of over 13 different cancers and numerous chronic illnesses that impact both the quality and duration of life in millions of patients across the world.

It's crucial to discuss the risks and benefits of GLP-1 agonists with your healthcare provider. These medications can be life-changing, but understanding their advantages and potential side effects is essential. Incorporating anti-obesity treatments into routine primary care can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of vision-threatening diseases.

Conclusion

While headlines about Ozempic and Wegovy might be alarming, it's important to keep the risk of NAION in perspective. The vision-related risks associated with diabetes and obesity are significantly higher and more prevalent. Stay informed, monitor symptoms, and consult with healthcare providers to make well-rounded decisions about treatment options. GLP-1 agonists remain powerful tools in managing T2DM and obesity, offering hope for better health and quality of life.

Want to discuss your treatment options? Schedule a consultation with Kura.

Sources:

1. Diabetes Journals. "Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Diabetic Retinopathy." Diabetes Care.

2. International Journal of Retina. "A DIFFERENCE IN INCIDENCE OF VISUAL THREATENING DIABETIC RETINOPATHY BETWEEN PATIENTS WITH AND WITHOUT IMPAIRED SLEEP QUALITY." IJ Retina.

3. Mass Eye and Ear. "Prescription weight loss drugs linked to blinding condition." Mass Eye and Ear.

4. Drugs.com. "GLP-1 (Ozempic, Wegovy) Linked to Rare Blinding Condition." Drugs.com.