Eye Disease Risk: GLP-1 drugs were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but are now increasingly being used to reduce obesity.

Can weight loss medication cause loss of eyesight?

Eye Problems Linked to Weight Loss Drugs: A new medical study has raised concerns about the popular weight loss drug Wegovy. The research claims that this drug may increase the risk of a rare but serious eye problem, which could lead to sudden vision loss. Let us explain what the research has revealed.

Why is it dangerous for the eyes?

The study, published in a medical journal, found that among semaglutide-based drugs, Wegovy was most associated with an eye condition called ischemic optic neuropathy. This condition occurs when the blood supply to the eye nerves is reduced or blocked. This can cause sudden blurred vision and, in some cases, permanent vision loss.

Medicine made for diabetes

In fact, GLP-1 drugs were originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are now increasingly being used for obesity management. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the active compound semaglutide. The only difference is that Wegovy is specifically approved for obesity management, while Ozempic is primarily prescribed for diabetes patients.

Researchers analyzed side effect reports filed with the US drug monitoring system between 2017 and 2024. Scientists examined nearly 30 million reports, including more than 31,000 cases linked to the drug semaglutide. The study compared drugs like Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, and Zepabound.

Why is the risk higher despite fewer patients?

Although Ozempic had a higher number of cases because it has been used for a longer period of time, the data showed the highest risk for Wegovy. The study found 28 cases associated with Wegovy and 47 with Ozempic. Despite this, the risk of this eye disease was found to be approximately 75 times higher than normal for Wegovy, while for Ozempic it was approximately 19 times higher. Scientists believe there may be several reasons for this. Wegovy is usually given in higher doses. Furthermore, injectable medications act quickly in the body. Researchers say that rapid weight loss, dehydration, changes in blood pressure, or changes in nerve regulation can reduce blood supply to the eye veins.

Is this medicine really responsible?

However, experts have clearly stated that this study does not directly prove that Wegovy is the cause of this disease. The data system used in the research also has its limitations. In many cases, complete medical histories were not available, and some reports may have been overreported due to media coverage. Nevertheless, experts say that this research cannot be ignored, as the use of these drugs to treat obesity and diabetes is rapidly increasing worldwide. Scientists are now preparing to conduct further, more in-depth research on these drugs.