Study links weight-loss drugs to serious eye conditions and vision loss
The serious eye conditions linked to weight loss drugs
- Two new studies suggest that weight loss drugs, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, could potentially lead to serious eye diseases and vision loss.
- One study identified an increased risk of optic nerve disorders, including non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), in diabetic patients taking these medications.
- NAION, an "eye stroke" caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, results in sudden vision loss in one eye and currently has no treatment.
- A separate study linked GLP-1 RA weight loss drugs to a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy, which involves damage to the retina's blood vessels.
- Researchers advise regular screening and monitoring for all diabetes patients on weight loss drugs, despite the overall risk being low and these drugs also showing benefits in reducing other vision-threatening complications.