A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has found a possible connection between GLP-1 drugs and rare eye conditions that can lead to blindness. Researchers at the University of Utah Health identified nine cases where patients developed vision complications, including nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), papillitis, and paracentral acute middle maculopathy.
The study highlights the potential link between GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and similar medications and a higher risk of these eye problems. While individual cases don’t prove causation, researchers suspect that rapid drops in blood sugar may be contributing to some of these cases.
The doctors note that more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this connection and that even a small increase in NAION risk could affect many people given the popularity of GLP-1 drugs worldwide. They hope their findings will promote awareness among colleagues and lead to better care for patients.
Researchers believe that if these conditions are caused by rapid blood sugar drops, simple recommendations to slow down GLP-1 treatment in high-risk patients might prevent future cases. Further studies are needed to test this hypothesis, but the study’s findings emphasize the importance of monitoring usage and communication with patients about potential risks associated with these medications.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/eye-doctors-are-finding-new-links-between-ozempic-and-vision-problems-2000563080