New research has found a possible link between popular weight-loss medications and an increased risk of serious eye conditions, including vision loss. Two studies published in JAMA analyzed the impact of semaglutide and tirzepatide on eye health in Americans with type 2 diabetes over a two-year period.
One study found that patients taking these medications had a modest risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAOIN), a rare condition that can lead to sudden vision loss due to lack of blood flow. In contrast, the second study did not observe a statistically significant difference in NAOIN, but reported a small increase in diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can damage the retina.
Experts warn that patients with type 2 diabetes taking GLP-1s should be regularly screened and monitored for potential complications. Dr. Sue Decotiis, a medical weight loss doctor, believes more studies are needed to confirm the association between these drugs and vision loss, citing conflicting results in previous research.
However, the medication maker Novo Nordisk disputes these findings, stating that their current assessment suggests no causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use and NAOIN events. Despite this, Dr. Decotiis emphasizes the importance of ophthalmic care for diabetics on these medications, recommending regular exams with an ophthalmologist to monitor potential eye complications.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/popular-weight-loss-drugs-linked-sudden-vision-loss-research-suggests