Ozempic Use Linked To Cases Of Blindness In Some Users, New Study Finds

In a recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers have uncovered a potential link between the use of the weight loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, and the development of a debilitating eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition can lead to irreversible vision loss.

NAION is a serious condition that affects the optic nerve, the bundle of fibers responsible for transmitting visual signals from the eye to the brain. When the blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked, it can result in sudden vision loss, a phenomenon described as a “stroke of the optic nerve” by the study’s senior author, Dr. Joseph Rizzo, the director of neuro-ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston.

The new study, based on an analysis of medical records from over 16,800 patients in the Boston area, focused on a subset of approximately 1,700 individuals who either had diabetes, were overweight or obesity. The researchers compared the outcomes of those who were prescribed the semaglutide-containing medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, to those who were not.

The findings were striking. Among the diabetes patients, almost 200 were prescribed semaglutide, and 17 of them went on to develop NAION, a rate more than four times higher than those not prescribed the drug. In the obesity group, 361 people were prescribed semaglutide and 20 of them developed the condition – a seven times higher rate.

While the study does not definitively establish a causal link between the use of semaglutide and the development of NAION, it does suggest a strong association between the two.

The findings have raised concerns among healthcare professionals. Dr. Andrew Lee, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a neuro-ophthalmologist at Houston Methodist Hospital, acknowledged that he has seen some patients who developed NAION while taking semaglutide, but cautioned that it is “premature to conclude” a causal link based on a single study.

The potential link between weight loss medications and vision problems is not entirely new. There have been some anecdotal reports suggesting that these drugs may be associated with blurred or warped vision. However, the exact mechanism by which semaglutide could contribute to the development of NAION remains unclear.

Overall, the study’s findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring patients taking Ozempic, Wegovy, and other weight loss medications for potential vision-related side effects. Patients are advised to consult with their healthcare providers if they have any concerns or experience any changes in their vision. Celebrities such as Oprah, Tori Spelling, Caroline Stanbury, Sharon Osbourne, Rebel Wilson and more, have openly discussed using the drug.

As the medical community continues to investigate the potential risks associated with these popular weight loss drugs, the need for further research and thorough safety evaluations becomes increasingly crucial to ensure the well-being of patients seeking to improve their health and quality of life.