Semaglutide, more commonly known by its brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is an FDA-approved treatment for managing type 2 diabetes. Because of its ability to curb appetite and regulate metabolism, semaglutide has also gained popularity as an effective weight loss remedy. Like any drug, its cure doesn’t come without side effects, including — according to developing studies — a connection with a rare eye condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
In the following article, we’ll provide an overview of semaglutide and what its users should know about its potential eye-related side effects.
Overview of Semaglutide
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that influences the hormones in our bodies responsible for regulating insulin production, glucose metabolism, and hunger. Upon injection, it targets the interaction of these hormones with our neurotransmitters and neural circuits to control appetite and optimize metabolic output.
Common semaglutide side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — which typically subside within a few weeks of the initial treatment. As more research is being performed, lesser-known side effects that impact eye health are being discovered.
Potential Eye-Related Side Effects
When our bodies experience altered sugar levels, the change can impact the shape of our eyes’ lenses, indicating a correlation between semaglutide and vision changes. In addition to slight eye pain, discomfort, or dryness, potential semaglutide eye side effects include:
Blurry Vision
Because our eye lenses become less flexible with age, older patients taking semaglutide are particularly susceptible to blurry vision as their eyes attempt to respond to changing blood sugar levels. This is a temporary semaglutide eye side effect that typically subsides after a few months.
Worsening of Diabetic Retinopathy:
Diabetic retinopathy occurs when retinal tissue is damaged due to high blood glucose levels. For this reason, patients with diabetes are particularly susceptible to vision loss. According to ongoing research, those taking Ozempic or Wegovy with these pre-existing conditions may experience diabetic retinopathy progression due to the accelerated movement of blood glucose levels. Typically, the related vision loss worsens before it gets better.
Understanding the Risks
Some of the factors that may increase the likelihood of Ozempic or Wegovy eye side effects include:
- Existing diabetes-related eye conditions (like retinopathy)
- Pre-existing vision problems
- Dosage and length of use
Especially for diabetic patients taking these medications, communication with your ophthalmologist is critical. Schedule regular eye check-ups to monitor and manage any changes in your vision while using semaglutide.
Managing and Preventing Eye Side Effects
To minimize the potential for Ozempic and eye problems, those taking medications containing semaglutide should:
- Monitor vision changes
- Maintain regular visits to an ophthalmologist ( especially for diabetic patients)
- Discuss concerns with your healthcare provider before starting Semaglutide
- Use recommended eye drops for dry eyes and stay hydrated
If you experience sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, or rapid worsening of vision, contact an eye doctor immediately before any of these warning signs worsen.
Current Research and Studies
According to studies exploring the connection between semaglutide and eye health, diabetic patients prescribed semaglutide are over four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION than those who do not have diabetes. While these studies aren’t conclusive that patients should cease using drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy altogether, they are inspiring continued research with larger, more diverse groups.
Consult With an Eye Doctor
Ultimately, more research is needed to determine the correlation between semaglutide use and NAION, sometimes referred to as Ozempic blindness. While patients may experience semaglutide eye side effects like blurry vision or discomfort, these responses to the medication are natural and typically temporary.
If you’re taking semaglutide and have concerns, the best way to prioritize your eye health while managing diabetes or weight is to communicate with your ophthalmologist. If you notice any vision-related changes while taking semaglutide, consult with your healthcare provider right away for treatment options tailored to your unique health conditions.
