Diabetes And Weight Loss Drugs Linked To Rare Eye Disorder Risk: Study

A new study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has raised concerns about a potential link between the diabetes and weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the active ingredient semaglutide, and a rare eye disorder known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition, which can cause sudden vision loss, is associated with reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness.

What Is NAION?

NAION affects only 2 to 10 people per 100,000 and is the second leading cause of optic nerve blindness. With no effective cure available, the condition results in sudden vision damage due to impaired blood flow through the optic nerve, which is composed of over one million nerve fibers.

What Did The Study Find?

The study found that individuals using semaglutide for diabetes treatment were four times more likely to develop NAION compared to those on other medications. For those using semaglutide for weight loss, the risk increased even more significantly—by over seven times.

- Among 710 patients with type 2 diabetes:

- Semaglutide users had an 8.9% risk of developing NAION.

- Patients on other medications had a 1.8% risk.

- For patients using semaglutide for weight loss:

- The NAION development rate was 6.7%.

- Those on alternative treatments faced a 0.8% risk.

#### Expert Caution

Dr. Rizzo, a leading researcher of the study, emphasized caution, stating, "To be perfectly clear, I would not take my findings and use them to recommend that patients stop taking their medications. Our finding was really the first possible significant negative finding with these drugs. It may just merit extra caution in the consideration between doctors and patients about who may use this medicine."

### What This Means for Patients

While the study highlights a concerning association between semaglutide and NAION, experts stress that further research is needed to confirm these findings and understand the mechanisms involved. Patients taking Ozempic or Wegovy for diabetes or weight loss should consult their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of these medications, particularly if they have underlying risk factors for eye disorders.

The findings underline the importance of personalized medical guidance when considering treatments for chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.