Experts Reassure on Ozempic and Vision

Quick Smiles:

• Millions benefit from GLP-1 drugs for diabetes and weight loss.
• Reports linking Ozempic to vision loss are very rare and under study.
• Experts say watch symptoms, stay informed and consult your doctor.

Headlines about “Ozempic blindness” can be scary, but experts say current evidence is reassuring and the overall risk appears very small. While studies have suggested possible links to eye problems, researchers stress they have found associations rather than proven cause and effect and more research is needed.

“If a patient comes in and says, ‘I’ve been taking this drug for a year, but now I’m scared that I’m going to go blind because of it,’ what we tell them is, ‘Look, the substantial majority of patients who take these drugs won’t ever have vision problems,’” Garg tells TODAY.com. “And we know that taking these drugs — if it allows you to lose weight, get your A1C better, get your blood pressure better — will have tremendous impact on your overall health and well-being.”

“For the vast majority of people, the benefits far exceed the risks of eye problems due to the use of these medications,” VanderBeek tells TODAY.com. “I’m not currently telling my patients to stop the medicines due to eye concerns.”

Most of the research has focused on semaglutide because it has been used longer, and doctors note that many studies involve people with diabetes who are already at higher risk for eye blood vessel problems. Drug labels for these medicines list “changes in vision” as possible side effects and advise patients with diabetes to report any vision changes to their doctor.

“This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes,” the company notes in a statement to TODAY.com. “As part of our routine safety review process for tirzepatide, we have ongoing discussions with regulators regarding potential safety topics, and we will continue to review data, including any data regarding ophthalmic issues,” the company said in a statement to TODAY.com.

Experts encourage anyone taking GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or weight loss to stay calm, monitor for symptoms, and talk with their health care team about risks and benefits — especially since the medications can improve blood sugar, blood pressure and overall health. For most people the benefits are likely to outweigh rare risks, but vigilance and more study will help everyone stay safer.

Source