GLP-1 drugs for weight loss and onset of vision problems: the connection according to new studies

Taking drugs for diabetes and semaglutide and tirzepatide obesity could determine a small increase in the risk of serious eye diseases. The data that emerged from new studies have taken into consideration patients undergoing these treatments.
Generally known as GLP-1 agonists, these drugs imitate the GLP-1 hormone which limits both hunger and interest in food, helping patients losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels.

What the new searches say

Two studies, recently published, now offer a new perspective on the data that emerged in previous investigations in which the possible link between the intake of Glp-1 agonists and serious ocular pathologies was evident.

The new findings come from the United States, where the clinical folders of a number between 159,000 and 185,000 people with type 2 diabetes were examined, for a period of two years. Second one of the two new studies, semaglutide or tirzepatide would be associated with a more modest risk than previously thought of developing non -arterial front ischemic optic neuropathy (Naion), a serious condition that causes sudden and painless loss of vision, due to an insufficient supply of blood to the optical nerve.
Of the 159,000 people with type 2 diabetes taking these drugs, only 35 (i.e. 0.04%) developed Naion, compared to the 19 patients (0.02%) of the comparison group. However, the researchers found an increased risk of developing “other optical nerve disorders”, although it is not clear which exactly, since the codes of the medical records used did not specify it.

A second studyOn the contrary, he did not detect an increase in Naion risk among those who took GLP-1 drugs. However, the researchers noticed A small increase in the development of diabetic retinopathy in subjects to whom the aforementioned drugs had been prescribed. However, further studies are needed to understand how GLP-1-based drugs can cause eye complications.

Although the most recent studies suggest that the risks of developing Naion could be lower than initially hypothesized by an investigation carried out in 2024in June, the European drug agency He concluded that Naion represents a “very rare” side effect of traffic semaglutide drugs: one likes of 10,000. The agency therefore requested that the product labels indicate Naion as a documented risk.

In the meantime, a five -year clinical study Currently in progress it is further studying the long -term effects of the traffic lights and the diabetic eye pathology in 1,500 people. We await the data that will emerge for more information on this delicate connection.