New research links Ozempic to vision loss and risk of blindness

Physicians have warned that a small percentage of patients taking the popular weight loss and diabetes medications Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have experienced vision loss. 

However, they say that they have not established a direct link between the condition and taking the drugs.

Researchers have found that several patients using these drugs have experienced blurry vision, eye floaters, and even blindness.

Previous studies have also documented vision-related problems in patients using the popular drugs, and a July study from Mass Eye and Ear found that some people prescribed semaglutide have a higher risk of developing a form of blindness.

In July 2024, a study published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology found a potential link between semaglutide — the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic — and a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) - which is a stroke of the optic nerve.

Now, a new investigatory review just published in JAMA Ophthalmology reports nine people taking semaglutide and tirzepatide — the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro, have experienced vision issues, including NAION, as well as two other potentially blinding eye conditions.

Researchers say that a reduction in blood glucose levels from the drugs may put people at higher risk. 

Fluctuations in blood sugar can affect vision temporarily for all diabetic patients, and even those not on the drugs may have blurring for an hour or two when their blood sugar levels change.

The study focused on the optic nerve.

The optic nerve is an essential part of a person’s vision, carrying signals from the eyes to the brain. Loss of blood flow damages the nerve and results in sudden partial vision loss that is usually permanent.

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound all list change in vision as a possible side effect on their websites.

However, a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which makes Ozempic and Wegovy, told The Independent that loss of blood flow to the optic nerve — also known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy — is not an adverse drug reaction for Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, as per the approved labels.

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