Studies link Ozempic and other GLP-1 RA drugs to blindness
GLP-1 RA drugs such as Ozempic® and Wegovy® have been heralded as modern-day weight-loss “miracles” by some in the media, wellness, and medical spaces. Social media feeds are filled with videos about the benefits of the drugs as testified to by celebrities and influencers. The internet and streaming services are filled with ads for the drugs. But an increasing number of reports associate serious side effects with these drugs, including recent studies indicating a possible link between GLP-1 RA drugs and certain severe eye conditions.
Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION)
NAION—often referred to as a stroke of the optic nerve—occurs when there is a loss of blood flow to the nerve, resulting in sudden loss of vision in one eye. Generally, NAION is a rare condition affecting only three of every 100,000 patients with diabetes. Blindness because of NAION is usually a permanent condition with no treatment. A growing number of scientific studies point to the possibility that GLP-1 RA drugs may increase a person’s risk of developing this rare, life-altering condition.
Vision Loss and GLP-1 RA drugs
In July 2024, the first study was published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggesting a relationship between NAION and GLP-1 RA use. The study found a statistically significant relationship but advised that additional study would be required. In December 2024, another study conducted by researchers in Denmark validated the findings of the earlier publication via a five-year longitudinal study. This study concluded that the use of once weekly semaglutide, the active ingredient in popular diabetic and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, “more than doubled the risk” of vision loss. While Ozempic and Wegovy are both administered through injections, Novo Nordisk also sells semaglutide in tablet form under the brand name Rybelsus®.
Most recently, a new study in JAMA Ophthalmology observed two new eye complications associated with GLP-1 RAs. This study observed patients who experienced vision loss after developing bilateral papillitis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy after taking GLP-1 RAs. Both conditions involve the optic nerve, like NAION, however, they are treatable and reversable.
On April 7, 2025, yet another study that evaluated FDA complaints showed a connection between GLP-1 users and vision loss.
As of today, there is no warning of this connection on the label for any GLP-1 RA product.
Moving forward
The recent emergence of yet another unrecognized seeming side effect of GLP-1 RA drugs highlights the need for increased vigilance. The company has updated the label a few times with additional warnings but still does not acknowledge risks like vision loss. These drugs are part of a massive marketing push targeting a large swath of the population and their weight loss goals. But what is the potential price to be paid? While concepts like bio-individuality purport we can never fully predict how any person will react to a drug, research suggests drug manufacturers should work to obtain a full picture of the potential risks before marketing products to the public.
Do not stop taking prescribed medication without first consulting your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death. Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).