Ozempic is making some patients go blind: 'Will Ozempic survive this? We'll see'
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“[It’s] important to consider gradually tapering patients onto these drugs. Slowly lowering blood sugar, rather than doing so rapidly, may help reduce the incidence of these complications.” — Bradley Katz, MD, PhD, ophthalmologist at the John A. Moran Eye Center and professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Utah
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New research has found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may potentially lead to serious vision problems, including blindness.
A recent paper published by Harvard researchers in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested that people who take semaglutide are more than four times as likely to develop a blindness-causing condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which is, essentially, a stroke in the eye.[][]
In a video, Eric Akin, MD, provided details on the study, then posed an interesting question: "Will Ozempic survive this? We'll see."
NAION explainer
Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve head is thought to be the primary cause of NAION, and there are currently no effective treatments for the condition. NAION is rare, affecting 10 out of 100,000 people annually. While it can lead to blindness in one eye, the vision loss occurs without pain, making it particularly concerning. The condition is difficult to diagnose and remains somewhat mysterious.
New research published by University of Utah investigators further illuminates this alarming issue, sharing cases of individuals who took either semaglutide or tirzepatide and developed eye conditions like NAION and other ailments that led to partial or temporary blindness.[]
What the research says
The study, led by Bradley Katz, MD, PhD, examined the cases of nine patients. Of these, seven developed NAION, one experienced optic nerve inflammation known as papillitis, and another developed paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM), a condition that causes a blind spot in vision.
All nine patients reported the onset of eye issues within the first year of starting the medications. It’s important to note that all but one patient had a history of type 2 diabetes.
Rapid drops in blood sugar, which can occur with drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro, have been associated with papillitis.
Dr. Katz, an ophthalmologist at the John A. Moran Eye Center and professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Utah, shares advice with MDLinx: “I’m not suggesting that anyone should stop taking these medications, but if [patients] experience any changes in vision while using them, discontinue immediately.”
“First and foremost, [it’s] important to consider gradually tapering patients onto these drugs. Slowly lowering blood sugar, rather than doing so rapidly, may help reduce the incidence of these complications,” he says.
Dr. Katz and his colleagues are urging the Food and Drug Administration to implement stronger post-prescription monitoring of these drugs and their potential ocular side effects.[]
“These drugs are not without risks. They are highly effective and have proven to be very beneficial for many people with diabetes and those seeking weight loss. However, like any medication, they come with side effects. Both patients and prescribers must be aware of these potential risks,” says Dr. Katz.
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