Popular drugs for weight loss linked to sudden vision loss, suggests research

New research has discovered that certain weight loss medications could be associated with a higher risk of severe eye conditions and even loss of vision.

Two studies, published in JAMA, analyzed how the semaglutida and the tirzepatida, which include popular drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, impacted the ocular health of Americans with type 2 diabetes for a period of two years.

A study found a modest risk of developing anterior non -arteritic ischemic optical neuropathy (Naoin), a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden loss of vision due to the lack of blood flow, in association with semaglutida and tirzepatido.

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Of more than 159,000 study participants with type 2 diabetes, 35 developed Naion, compared to 19 people in the comparison group.

Ohio -based researchers also noticed “other optical nerve disorders”, identified in 93 patients.

Although the second study did not observe a “statistically significant difference” in Naion in drug users LPG-1, there was a small increase in diabetic retinopathy, an eye disease that can damage the retina.

Diabetic patients who take LPG-1 can face a higher risk of ocular disease, the study suggests

While people with type 2 diabetes in LPG-1 showed a modestly higher risk of diabetic retinopathy, researchers concluded that fewer patients experienced complications that threaten the view of the disease.

“These findings suggest that all patients with type 2 diabetes treated with LPG-1 RAS, regardless of pre-existing diabetic retinopathy, should be examined regularly and monitoring for possible complications,” the study authors concluded.

Sue Decotiis, MD, medical loss doctor in New York City, said he believes that more studies are required to confirm the association between these medications and the loss of vision, since these studies report some contradictory results.

“Naion is a rare condition of the optical nerve that, although serious, has not really demonstrated by these studies,” said Decotiis, who did not participate in the investigation, News Digital. “We need more safe studies.”

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Diabetic patients already face a high incidence of ocular disease related to blood flow and nerve damage, the expert said.

“Ocular complications are often directly related to the degree or lack of them from diabetes control.”

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In most cases, GLP-1 medications reduce the seriousness of type 2 diabetes, which reduces the incidence of eye diseases, said Decotiis.

It has also been shown that these medications reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as hypertension, and improve circulation, which can improve ocular health.

For diabetics who are starting a LPG-1, Deciis recommends taking an exam for an ophthalmologist and programming follow-up exams throughout the treatment.

“We should take precautions with methodical care for diabetics in these medications,” Decotiis said. “However, let’s not throw the baby with the bath water.”

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Novo Nordisk, manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, provided the following statement when contacted News Digital.

“Patient safety is a priority for Novo Nordisk, and we take all reports on adverse events of the use of our medications very seriously. Naion is a very rare eye disease, and it is not an adverse drug reaction for the marketed formulations of Semaglutida (Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy)) according to the labels approved in the United States”

“Novo Nordisk, meanwhile, has performed an analysis through random controlled clinical trials with agonists from the GLP-1 receiver, including a blinding ophthalmologist evaluation to confirm Naion diagnoses. Our current evaluation is that these data do not suggest a causal relationship between the use of LPG-1 RA and the Naion events.”