Big hit GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro may sharpen your appearance, but they can also cloud your vision in the process.
a Reviews published in Jama Ophthalmology We found at least nine patients who experienced vision loss after taking semaglutide or tilzepatide.
This study adds to the growing number of studies documenting vision impairment in patients using these drugs. a 2024 Research We suggested a potential link between semaglutide and rare ocular disease and non-arterial preischemic optic neuropathy (Naion). This leads to sudden onset vision loss when blood flow to the optic nerve.
The review, led by physician scientists at the John A. Moran I Center at the University of Utah, found that patients taking GLP-1 developed three potentially blind conditions affecting the visual nerve. I discovered that.
Seven patients experienced naion-like symptoms. One was papillitis and inflammation of the optic nerve head. And one developed paraneutral central macula in the vision.
The authors point out that patients in their 50s and 60s are prescribed semaglutide or tilzepatide for diabetes or obesity, and are in other cardiovascular conditions.
“We're trying to figure out whether using these drugs can increase your risk,” he said. Nora S. Linkuffco-author of a paper at the University of Buffalo and professor of neurology.
Researchers assume that rapid changes in blood glucose caused by the drug may be responsible for these vision disorders, rather than direct toxic effects from the drug. However, they emphasized that they still work to connect the dots.
“This review has not been conducted to say that these drugs caused complications,” the Read author said. Bradley Katzophthalmologist and professor at the University of Utah. “More research is needed to test our hypotheses.”
Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, did not immediately respond to a mail request for comments. Not Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound.
Although reports of vision loss in patients taking semaglutide and tilzepatide are rare, researchers cite the booming popularity of the source of concern.
The demand for these drugs, originally developed to treat diabetes, has skyrocketed after it was found to effectively promote weight loss. They work by mimicking the hormones the body produces after eating, helping users feel longer.
a 2024 Research We found that 12% of the US population are taking GLP-1 medications at some point, and about 6% currently use them.
Common side effects Includes gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Users also report experiencing erectile dysfunction, changes in personality, increased reckless behavior, and the infamous “ozenpic bat” and “boobs” (drags all in the wrong place). .
Doctors have also seen other abnormal complications, such as allodynia. This is a type of neuralgia in which something that should not be damaged suddenly occurs, such as polishing your hair or wearing a shirt.
Still, the trend for GLP-1 shows no signs of slowing down, especially as new uses for drugs continue to emerge. The Wegovy label was updated last year and reflects its ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes, while the Zepbound label treats moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in obese adults Included.
Scientists are currently investigating the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs. Chronic kidney disease, Fatty liver disease, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. There is even talk of treating these drugs Intoxication and substance use disordersafter reporting Reducing craving Between users.
The authors of this study emphasized that research is still ongoing to determine whether these drugs increase the risk of visual impairment.
“The message to primary care providers is to have your ophthalmologist see as soon as possible if any of these medications are calling you and saying they have blurred or vision loss. Wait You can't,” Linkuff said.
