GLP-1 eye risks noted in new studies

New studies on GLP-1 medicines highlight potential eye risks while confirming benefits in diabetes and obesity care.

GLP-1 Drugs Linked to Eye Risks in Diabetes Care

GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic Wegovy and Mounjaro have reshaped treatment for diabetes and obesity. Two new studies using US medical records from about 159 000 to 185 000 people with type 2 diabetes report mixed findings on eye safety. One study links semaglutide and tirzepatide to a small but real increase in NAION, while the other finds no rise in NAION but hints at a slight uptick in diabetic retinopathy. Regulators have already required clearer labeling for NAION as a very rare risk, and some experts say the overall benefit of these drugs remains strong when heart health is managed.

The picture is nuanced. In some patients, eye outcomes improved or stayed stable and fewer invasive eye treatments were needed, but risk factors like crowded optic nerve heads and sleep apnea can heighten danger. Doctors emphasize informed decisions and regular eye exams to catch problems early. The research also notes that improving heart health and controlling diabetes and cholesterol may help reduce eye risk, underscoring that treatment is about managing a cluster of conditions, not a single issue.

The findings underscore a central fact in modern medicine: powerful therapies come with rare but serious side effects. Balancing weight loss and blood sugar control with eye safety requires clear communication and shared decision making between patients and clinicians. Regulators are watching closely and updating guidance as more data arrive, a sign that risk assessment in real time matters as much as clinical benefit. If doctors and patients stay aligned, GLP-1 medicines can deliver significant health gains without letting eye risks derail care.

Highlights

Ongoing research will guide safer use of GLP-1 medicines.