File: A patient gets laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy (AFP via Getty)
Key Findings From the Research
1. Risk of Optic Nerve Disorders
- Data from nearly 1.5 million people revealed an increased risk of optic nerve damage in diabetes patients using weight-loss drugs such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs).
- The most alarming condition identified was non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) — sometimes referred to as an eye stroke.
- NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly blocked, leading to irreversible vision loss in one eye.
- The study found that 1 in 2,500 patients on semaglutide or tirzepatide developed NAION — much higher than the previously estimated 1 in 10,000 risk.
Important: There is currently no treatment for NAION.
2. Link to Diabetic Retinopathy
A second study of 185,000 people found that GLP-1 drugs may also increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy — a condition in which blood vessels in the retina become damaged.
- While these patients had a slightly higher chance of developing early-stage retinopathy, they experienced fewer severe complications and needed fewer invasive eye treatments compared to those on other diabetes drugs.
Why These Findings Matter
Weight-loss drugs like semaglutide (sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) have become highly popular for managing both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
However, these new findings suggest that even patients without pre-existing eye disease may face risks — highlighting the importance of preventive eye care.
Expert Recommendations
Researchers are urging:
- Regular eye screening for all diabetes patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs.
- Early detection of optic nerve and retinal complications.
- Long-term studies to fully understand the connection between weight-loss drugs and eye health.
They also stress the need to weigh the benefits of GLP-1 RAs — such as better blood sugar control and reduced obesity-related complications — against the potential vision risks.
What Patients Should Do
If you are taking semaglutide, tirzepatide, or other GLP-1 medications:
- Schedule comprehensive eye exams at least once a year.
- Immediately report symptoms like sudden vision changes, blurred vision, or blind spots.
- Discuss your medication plan with your doctor and ophthalmologist to ensure safe long-term use.
Important:
Researchers Urge Regular Eye Screening for Diabetes Patients on GLP-1 Medications
While the overall risk remains low, the potential for irreversible vision loss means that proactive monitoring is essential. For people with diabetes — especially those on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs — protecting eye health should be a top priority.
If you or someone you know is taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound, make eye care part of your health routine. Speak to your doctor today about scheduling a full eye screening — early detection can make all the difference.
New research links semaglutide & tirzepatide to serious eye diseases. Experts urge diabetes patients to get regular eye screenings to protect vision.
Two new large-scale studies have found that popular weight-loss drugs — including semaglutide and tirzepatide — may increase the risk of serious eye diseases that can lead to vision loss.
Published in JAMA on August 12, 2025, the findings have raised concerns among health experts, who are calling for regular eye screening for all diabetes patients taking these medications.
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