A new study has raised concerns about potential vision issues in people using GLP-1 weight loss drugs like semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound). While some people reported eye problems after taking these medications, experts say it is still unclear whether the drugs directly caused the issues.

Study Findings

Researchers examined the cases of nine individuals in their 50s and 60s who developed serious vision problems after using GLP-1 medications. Seven of them were diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)—a condition where blood vessels fail to deliver enough blood to the optic nerve, leading to sudden and irreversible vision loss.

The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, was led by Dr. Bradley Katz from the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah Health. He first identified the issue when one of his patients lost vision in one eye after starting semaglutide. The patient briefly stopped the medication, but upon resuming it, they experienced vision loss in the other eye.

Alarmed by this, Katz reached out to other ophthalmologists and found eight more similar cases, leading to the study’s findings.

Other Reported Vision Problems

Besides NAION, two other patients in the study experienced different eye issues:

- One developed maculopathy, which causes a blind spot in vision.

- Another developed papillitis is an inflammation of the optic nerve.

Although these conditions are rare, the findings suggest a potential link between GLP-1 drugs and eye health.

Could Other Health Issues Be Responsible?

While the study highlights a possible connection between GLP-1 drugs and vision problems, researchers are not yet certain if the medications are directly responsible.

All nine patients in the study were using GLP-1 drugs for obesity or diabetes—both of which are known risk factors for vision problems. Other chronic conditions, such as heart disease, can also contribute to eye issues.

Dr Norah Lincoff, a neuro-ophthalmologist and co-author of the study, explained that sudden and significant drops in blood sugar levels due to GLP-1 drugs might increase the risk of optic nerve damage. However, more research is needed to confirm whether the drugs themselves cause vision problems.

Advice for Patients and Doctors

Experts advise that people using GLP-1 drugs should not panic, as cases of vision loss are extremely rare. However, if someone experiences blurry vision or sudden sight problems while on these medications, they should see an eye doctor immediately.

Dr Lincoff emphasized the importance of quick action: "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. It could be a glucose fluctuation or something more serious."

For those concerned about their eye health, alternative weight loss and diabetes treatments are available. Dr Lincoff shares, “We have other ways to control diabetes and weight loss. There are many options for patients.”

For now, researchers continue to investigate whether GLP-1 drugs pose a real risk to eye health. Until more is known, staying aware of potential symptoms and consulting a doctor if concerns arise is the best course of action.

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