Vision loss possibly linked to Ozempic, weight loss injections: Study

• A new study is investigating whether GLP-1 injections like Ozempic and Wegovy may cause vision loss. The research focuses on eye conditions in patients using semaglutide or tirzepatide.
• Seven patients developed a condition that can cause sudden blindness, while two others experienced retinal and optic nerve changes.
• Researchers say more testing is needed to confirm any link, but the study isn’t a recommendation to stop using the injections.

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Millions of Americans use GLP-1 injections like Ozempic to lose weight. A new study is raising concerns about whether these medications could be causing vision loss.

Study potentially links vision loss to weight loss injections

Researchers published the findings in JAMA Ophthalmology, a scientific journal, just days after the FDA cleared Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic for the treatment of chronic kidney disease. This new research builds on a study from last year suggesting a potential link between these drugs and vision loss.

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The latest study focused on eye conditions in patients using semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as tirzepatide, found in Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro and Zepbound.

The sample size was small. Researchers studied nine patients: five women and four men with an average age of 57.

Patients develop eye conditions, some rare

Researchers from the University of Utah and other institutions found seven patients in the study developed NAION, a condition causing permanent and sudden blindness when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced. Two other patients experienced changes to their retina and optic nerves. The study suggests these issues may be related to how individuals’ bodies interact with semaglutide.

However, the study was unable to definitively determine whether the drug itself directly caused these vision problems. Researchers hypothesized that the rapid improvement in blood sugar levels could be a contributing factor.

Researchers want to conduct more studies

The lead author of the study, Bradley Katz, said the results are just the beginning, and more research is needed to determine if there is a credible link between the drugs and vision loss.

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He added that the study should not be seen as a recommendation to stop using these widely prescribed injections, but rather as a call for further research to better understand potential side effects.

The study revealed the likelihood of developing a rare eye condition is low, between 2 and 10 cases per 100,000 people. However, he expects the number to rise as the use of these medications continues to grow.