Blockbuster GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro might sharpen your figure, but they could also cloud your vision in the process.
A review published in JAMA Ophthalmology uncovered at least nine cases of patients who experienced vision loss after taking semaglutide or tirzepatide, the active ingredients in Wegovy and Zepbound, respectively.
This study adds to a growing body of research documenting vision problems in patients using these drugs. A 2024 study suggested a potential link between semaglutide and the rare eye condition nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), in which restricted blood flow to the optic nerve causes sudden-onset vision loss.
The review, led by physician-scientists from the University of Utah’s John A. Moran Eye Center, found that patients taking GLP-1s developed three potentially blinding conditions affecting the optic nerve — the part of your eye that sends visual info to the brain.
Seven patients experienced NAION-like symptoms; one had papillitis, an inflammation of the optic nerve head; and one developed paracentral acute middle maculopathy, which can cause a blind spot in vision.
The authors note that the patients, all in their 50s and 60s, were prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide due to diabetes or obesity, along with other cardiovascular conditions, all of which can contribute to vision problems on their own.
“We’re trying to elucidate if being on these drugs can increase your risk,” said Norah S. Lincoff, co-author of the paper and professor of neurology at the University at Buffalo.
The researchers hypothesize that rapid changes in blood sugar caused by the drugs might be responsible for these vision problems, rather than a direct toxic effect from the medications. But they stressed that they’re still working to connect the dots.
“This review was not conducted in any way that we can say these drugs caused the complications,” said lead author Bradley Katz, an ophthalmologist and professor at the University of Utah. “Further studies are needed to test our hypothesis.”
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment. Neither did Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro and Zepbound.
While reports of vision problems in patients taking semaglutide and tirzepatide are rare, researchers cite their booming popularity as cause for concern.
Originally developed to treat diabetes, the demand for these drugs has surged after they were found to effectively promote weight loss. They work by mimicking a hormone the body produces after eating, helping users feel fuller longer.
A 2024 study found that 12% of the US population has taken a GLP-1 drug at some point, with around 6% currently using them.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Users have also reported experiencing erectile dysfunction, personality changes, increased reckless behavior, and the infamous “Ozempic butt” and “boobs” (sagging in all the wrong places).
Doctors have also seen other unusual complications, such as allodynia, a type of nerve pain where things that shouldn’t hurt — like brushing your hair or wearing a shirt — suddenly do.
Still, the GLP-1 trend shows no signs of slowing down, especially as new uses for the drugs continue to emerge. Wegovy’s label was updated last year to reflect its ability to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes, while Zepbound’s label now includes treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in obese adults.
Scientists are currently investigating the potential benefits of GLP-1 drugs for a wide range of conditions, including chronic kidney disease, fatty liver disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s. There’s even buzz around using these meds to treat addiction and substance use disorders, after reports of diminished cravings among users.
The study’s authors stressed that research is still ongoing to determine whether these medications increase the risk of vision problems.
“The message to the primary care provider is, if a patient on one of these medications calls you and says that there is blurring or vision loss, have them see their ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Don’t wait,” said Lincoff.
