If you’re one of the millions of people using popular drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy for diabetes or weight loss, new research from Canada has a serious warning for your eye health. A large study suggests that these medications may more than double your risk of developing a dangerous eye condition that can lead to vision loss, especially if you’re an older adult with diabetes.
The drug, semaglutide, belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have soared in popularity for their effectiveness in controlling blood sugar and promoting weight loss. While their heart health benefits are well-known, this new research, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, uncovers a potential hidden risk that could affect your vision over the long term.
Key Takeaways
- Increased Risk: The study found that users of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide had more than double the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) compared to non-users.
- Long-Term Use is Riskier: For those who used the drug for more than 30 months, the risk was over three times higher.
- Correlation, Not Causation: It’s important to know that this study shows a strong link, but it does not prove that the drug directly causes the eye disease. Other health factors could be involved.
- What to Do: Researchers and doctors advise against stopping your medication. Instead, they recommend that you talk to your doctor about regular eye exams to monitor your retinal health, especially if you are a long-term user.
What is Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a primary cause of vision loss for older adults. It comes in two forms: “dry” and “neovascular” (or “wet”). The neovascular form is the more severe of the two. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow underneath your retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of your eye. These new vessels can leak blood or fluid, causing damage to the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. When your macula is damaged, it can rob you of the ability to read, drive, or even recognize faces.
What the New Study Found
Researchers in Ontario analyzed the medical records of nearly 140,000 people aged 66 and older with diabetes. They compared those who had taken semaglutide or a similar GLP-1 drug for at least six months with those who had never used these medications. After adjusting for differences in age, health conditions, and other factors, the results were striking. People using GLP-1 drugs had a 2.21 times higher risk of being diagnosed with nAMD. The risk was even more pronounced for long-term users (more than 30 months), who faced a 3.62 times higher risk. The study also found that older age and a history of stroke further increased the risk among drug users, suggesting some people are more vulnerable than others.
Is This Link a Complete Surprise?
This isn’t the first time a potential link between semaglutide and eye problems has been flagged. Previous clinical trials, like SUSTAIN 6 and PIONEER 6, noted an increase in diabetic eye complications among some participants. However, the evidence has been mixed, with some lab studies even suggesting the drug could be protective for the eye. This new study is significant because of its large size and its use of real-world data from a large population over several years, giving its findings substantial weight in the medical community.
What Should You Do If You Use These Drugs?
This research does not prove that semaglutide is the direct cause of nAMD. It’s possible that people who need these drugs have more severe diabetes or other underlying health issues that also increase their risk for eye disease. For this reason, you should not suddenly stop taking your medication, as that could have serious consequences for your health.
Instead, the findings serve as an important call for caution and monitoring. If you are using semaglutide or another GLP-1 drug, especially for a long period, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or an eye specialist. Discussing regular retinal screenings can help catch any early signs of damage before it has a chance to impact your vision. This study is a powerful reminder that even highly beneficial drugs can carry risks that only become clear over time, making ongoing research and patient vigilance essential.
Scientific References
Etminan, M., Sodhi, M., Maberley, D. A. L., & Kezouh, A. (2024). Glucagonlike Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Neovascular Age-related Macular Degeneration in an Older Population With Diabetes. JAMA Ophthalmology. Published online October 10, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.4854. URL: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2823189