GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy are all over the news these days. There are so many celebrities and influencers talking about these medications, but what are they exactly?
Ozempic and Wegovy are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). In a nutshell, they’re medications that treat type 2 diabetes and aid in weight management.
But there are risks to taking these medications, including possible negative effects on your eye health. Let’s see what the research says and if you need to be concerned.
Before We Dive In
As always, this is all for informational purposes. If you need a medically-qualified assessment and recommendations, please get in touch with your doctor.
Know Your GLP-1s
Ozempic and Wegovy are both medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Semaglutide is used differently in the formulation of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Ozempic
- Purpose: This medication is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- How it Works: Ozempic stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin when your blood sugar level is high. It also reduces the amount of glucose produced by the liver. In addition, it makes you feel full longer.
- Dosage: Ozempic is typically administered once weekly via injection.
- Additional Benefits: It may also help reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy
- Purpose: Semaglutide (via Wegovy) is approved for weight management in obese adults.
- How it Works: Wegovy reduces appetite and food intake. It is designed to slow down digestion so you feel full sooner.
- Dosage: Wegovy is also a once-a-week injection, but given in a higher dosage.
- Additional Benefits: It can help reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular problems associated with obesity.
Understand How These Medications Can Affect Your Eyes
There are several theories being explored on the effects of GLP-1 RAs on your eye health:
The Heart and Eye Connection
GLP-1 RAs may influence your blood flow and vascular tone (the tension of the smooth muscles of your blood vessels). This can lead to the constriction of the blood supply to your retina and optic nerves.
The worst-case scenario here is that it may contribute to the risk of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) and macular edema. We’ll talk about these conditions in detail below.
Eye Inflammation
Some research suggests that GLP-1 RAs might play a role in the eye’s inflammatory processes. This means that, if you’re suffering from eye inflammation because of diabetic retinopathy or other underlying causes, taking Ozempic and Wegovy can make it worse.
Direct Retinal Effects
Some scientists are already looking into GLP-1 RAs’ direct effect on the retina. They think that Ozempic and Wegovy might affect the function and survival of retinal cells. Of course, this is still at the research stage. There’s nothing conclusive yet.
The Current Evidence
There is growing evidence that these trending GLP-RA medications come with possible eye complications. Direct causal links have yet to be established. But there are correlations that are being investigated.
Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)
NAION refers to the sudden loss of vision due to damage to the optic nerve. There have been several studies that theorize a potential link between GLP-1 RAs and NAION. The how of it all is still unclear. The incidence of this condition is rare but severe, which drives researchers to learn more.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugar levels cause damage to the retina’s blood vessels. This can then lead to blindness or loss of vision. While Ozempic helps control blood sugar, some studies say it can increase the risk of progression or complications in people suffering from diabetic retinopathy.
Macular Edema
Macular edema refers to the buildup of fluid in the macula or center of the retina. This causes swelling and visual impairment. How macular edema and GLP-1 RAs are directly connected is still being investigated. However, given that diabetic retinopathy is said to be worsened by Ozempic and this condition can cause macular edema, scientists have found merit to further investigation.
Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Some studies show a possible connection between GLP-1 RAs and developing wet AMD in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Wet AMD refers to severe macular degeneration, characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula.
This is opposite to Dry AMD, which is the age-related thinning of the macula and does not come with abnormal blood vessel growth. Again, further research is being done on this observed connection.
What to Watch Out For
If you’re taking GLP-1s, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Sudden vision loss: This is major, of course. If you experience this, see your doctor immediately!
- Blurred vision: This could be a sign of a developing problem. Stay on the safe side and see your doctor right away.
- Worsening of existing eye conditions: If you have existing eye conditions or medical conditions that could affect the eyes (such as diabetes), be vigilant when it comes to your symptoms. If you begin to experience eye problems, consult with your doctor right away.
What You Can Do
While the direct and indirect links between eye health issues and GLP-1 RAs are still being investigated, it’s generally helpful to stay aware and on top of your eye health if you’re taking GLP-1s.
- Regular comprehensive eye exams are ideal, especially if you have pre-existing eye conditions or risk factors for eye diseases. These exams will typically include retinal imaging to detect any early signs of complications.
- Try to monitor yourself and report any changes to your visual clarity and comfort. If you suddenly experience blurred vision, vision loss, or changes in color perception, talk to your doctor ASAP.
Lastly, it is a good idea to do a risk-benefit assessment with your doctor. There may be potential benefits of GLP-1 RAs for weight management and diabetes control, but you need to weigh this against the potential risks to your eye health.
TL;DR
Don’t fret if you’re taking GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy. Just be aware and stay on top of your eye health:
- GLP-1s may affect your heart health, which then increases your risk of NAION and macular edema.
- There is still no strong evidence that directly links GLP-1s with eye health. Studies are still being done.
- Make sure to watch out for symptoms, such as sudden vision loss and blurry vision. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.
Bottom Line: These potential eye side effects are a concern, yes. But remember that they’re not common. Many people take GLP-1s without experiencing any eye problems.
