These medications, specifically Ozempic and Wegovy, are linked to a potential increase in vision loss risk.
Living on the Edge: With Ozempic and Wegovy all over the news, it's hard to ignore the buzz surrounding these GLP-1 agonists. These treatments for diabetes and weight loss have become popular household names, but they haven't come without concerns.
The active ingredient in both, semaglutide, has sparked discussions about side effects that range from digestive issues to more serious concerns, such as pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. However, a disturbing new trade-off has been uncovered – the potential for vision loss.
In a study from Harvard Medical School, scientists found an association between semaglutide and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare and irreversible condition that damages the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss.
Dr. Joseph F. Rizzo III, principal investigator of the study, noted the unusual number of NAION cases he encountered among patients taking semaglutide. Dr. Rizzo and his team evaluated 16,827 patients over a six-year period, finding that the hazard ratios for NAION were 4.28 and 7.64 among diabetes and overweight/obese patients, respectively, who were taking semaglutide, compared to those on non-GLP-1 RA medications.
Two Danish studies have since confirmed these findings, highlighting the increased risk of NAION associated with semaglutide use. In one study, researchers found that Ozempic doubled the risk of developing NAION for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Cases of NAION have risen dramatically in Denmark since the drug's introduction in 2018, rising from 60-70 a year to up to 150.
Another study found that Ozempic carried a 2.81 times greater relative risk of developing NAION compared to other diabetes medications, meaning that a patient using Ozempic has almost three times the risk of developing NAION as those not on the drug.
Healthcare providers should discuss these risks with patients to help them weigh the pros and cons of treatment with semaglutide. While the risk of vision loss remains low, it's important to be informed and monitor for symptoms such as blurred vision, color distortion, loss of peripheral vision, and a dark or gray spot in the vision that doesn't move. Keep in mind that these medications still offer significant benefits for managing diabetes and promoting weight loss, but potential risks should be carefully considered.
Stay tuned for updates as more research emerges on this topic. In the meantime, always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your medication regimen.
- Given the association between semaglutide and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a potentially irreversible medical condition causing vision loss, it is crucial for healthcare providers to discuss the risks and benefits of these therapies and treatments, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, with patients.
- While science continues to advance and introduce promising treatments for chronic diseases like diabetes and chronic weight issues, it is essential to adhere to health-and-wellness guidelines that emphasize monitoring symptoms and regularly consulting medical professionals to mitigate possible side effects and complications, such as vision loss linked to semaglutide use.
