Viral Weight Loss Drug Linked To Rare Eye Condition, Vision Loss

A recent study has uncovered a concerning link between widely-used weight loss drugs and a rare eye condition that can cause sudden vision loss. The drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain the protein semaglutide, are commonly prescribed to help manage blood sugar and promote insulin production.

What triggers NAION? 

The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that patients with obesity who were prescribed semaglutide-containing drugs had a sevenfold increased risk of developing Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), a condition that leads to sudden vision loss in one eye. Additionally, patients with diabetes taking these drugs were over four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

"This information should be included in discussions between patients and their doctors, especially if there are pre-existing optic nerve issues like glaucoma or significant visual loss from other causes," stated lead author Joseph Rizzo, director of the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Rizzo emphasized that while the increased risk is associated with a relatively uncommon disorder, further research is necessary to understand the exact link between the drugs and the eye condition.

NAION is relatively rare, affecting between 2 to 10 people per 1,00,000, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It is believed to be caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve head, resulting in permanent vision loss in one eye.

The study analyzed data from over 17,000 patients diagnosed with either diabetes or obesity who were prescribed semaglutide-containing or other weight loss drugs. Rizzo noted the importance of these findings, stating, "The use of these drugs has significantly increased across industrialized countries, providing many benefits. However, future discussions between patients and physicians should include NAION as a potential risk."

The study underscores the need for careful consideration and further investigation into the side effects of popular weight loss drugs, particularly for patients with existing visual impairments or optic nerve conditions.