Wegovy and Eye Stroke Risks
The weight-management medication Wegovy is becoming increasingly popular and has recently been introduced in pill form. However, a recent study has raised concerns about a potential link to “eye stroke” or ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), which can lead to rapid vision loss.
Experts have urged Wegovy users not to be alarmed, explaining that the connection between the drug and eye stroke is not yet confirmed, and the overall incidence of this condition remains very low. According to a study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, ION was reported in less than 1% of patients experiencing side effects while taking Wegovy.
Dr. Amanda Adler, a professor of diabetic medicine and health policy at the University of Oxford, noted that because ION is so rare, the risks do not appear to outweigh the benefits of semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic.
The U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, which serves a similar role as the FDA, is advising users of semaglutide to seek immediate medical attention if they notice rapid deterioration in their eyesight.
Previous Concerns
This isn’t the first time weight-loss medications have been linked to eye-related issues. A medical review published in 2025 indicated there might be a slight increase in the risk of eye stroke with semaglutide in diabetes patients compared to those not using the drug. Interestingly, this risk wasn’t apparent among those using semaglutide for weight management. Overall, even among users, the eye stroke risk remained low.
The new study builds on prior research, specifically examining Wegovy, a commonly prescribed medication for managing weight long-term. The findings suggested a connection between Wegovy and ION, which occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is obstructed, potentially causing quick vision loss.
Barbara Pierscionek, a deputy dean of research and innovation at Anglia Ruskin University, highlighted that this form of vision loss can be sudden and painless, affecting one or both eyes. While the exact cause is unclear, it typically involves blockage of blood vessels in the eye.
The research team aimed to find out if specific weight-loss drugs posed a higher risk of ION than others. They analyzed side effect reports submitted to the U.S. FDA from December 2017 to December 2024. Out of over 31,000 reports related to semaglutide, around 3,000 were linked to Wegovy, and over 20,000 to Ozempic. Notably, 28 Wegovy reports mentioned ION compared to 47 Ozempic reports.
Limitations of the Research
It’s important to note that the side effect reports reviewed in this study aren’t independently verified. They serve as early indicators of user experiences with a drug after it has received approval.
Brian Woods, an ophthalmology expert at the University of Galway, pointed out that the research did not directly observe patients. Instead, it analyzed reports from a large safety database where suspected side effects are logged. While these reports can hint at possible issues, they can’t determine the actual frequency of complications.
If a concerning pattern arises in this database, it can prompt regulators to investigate whether the drug’s approval status needs to be changed. Woods emphasized that the study’s findings were based on fewer than 100 reports of ION among tens of millions of entries, making them less reliable.
Experts suggest there could be other factors at play. For instance, semaglutide might be prescribed to people already at a higher risk for ION due to conditions like high blood pressure or cardiovascular issues. It’s worth mentioning that diabetes, which Ozempic specifically targets, is a risk factor for ION. Despite the differences, both Wegovy and Ozempic users could have similar baseline risk levels.
Interestingly, Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic, but it’s uncertain if this impacts the risk of developing ION. While it’s biologically plausible, there’s no definitive proof yet. Woods notes that many risk factors may overlap, making it difficult to isolate dose-related effects.
It’s also notable that Wegovy recently announced a higher-dose alternative. If higher doses do impact risk, that could raise concerns, but Pierscionek emphasized not everyone taking these drugs is at risk of ION.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice.
