Study Links Semaglutide to Eye Condition NAION

A study led by Mass Eye and Ear researchers revealed that patients prescribed semaglutide for diabetes or weight loss, marketed as Ozempic or Wegovy, faced a higher risk of developing NAION, a rare eye condition leading to potential blindness. Those with diabetes or obesity on semaglutide were over four and seven times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION, respectively. Despite its rarity, NAION's risk should be discussed between patients and physicians considering these drugs. NAION, caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, lacks effective treatments and often results in irreversible vision loss. Novo Nordisk, the drug manufacturer, emphasized the need for further research to establish a causal link between semaglutide and NAION.