A recent investigative review in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic (Novo Nordisk) and Zepbound (Eli Lilly), may be linked to several eye conditions that can cause vision loss. The study focused on nine patients who received prescriptions for semaglutide or tirzepatide, the active ingredients in these medications.
Seven of the patients developed a rare eye condition known as NAION (Non-Arteritis Inflammation Optic neuropathy), which affects blood flow in the optic nerve, leading to sudden and irreversible blindness. Another patient experienced bilateral papillitis, while the ninth patient developed paracentral acute middle maculopathy.
The study authors hypothesized that the conditions were caused by rapid changes in blood sugar levels, rather than a toxic effect of the drugs. Novo Nordisk stated that they have found no evidence of a causal link between their GLP-1 medications and NAION diagnoses in clinical trials.
However, these findings are not new, as two previous studies last year also linked semaglutide to NAION. According to one study, diabetes patients using Ozempic were over twice as likely to develop NAION compared to those taking other diabetes medications. The overall incidence of NAION among Ozempic users was exceptionally low, with only 1.4 additional cases per 10,000 patient-years.
If the risk remains consistent over time, a type 2 diabetes patient taking Ozempic for 20 years would face a 0.3% to 0.5% likelihood of developing NAION. Experts recommend that patients experiencing vision changes while using these medications consult their prescribing doctor and see an ophthalmologist.
Source: https://qz.com/ozempic-eye-conditions-glp-1s-1851760369