Study Confirms Vision Risk with Ozempic, Wegovy

A recent study has linked the popular weight-loss and diabetes medications Ozempic and Wegovy, which contain semaglutide, to a significantly increased risk of developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can lead to sudden and irreversible vision loss. The study, led by researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts Eye and Ear hospital and published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that diabetic patients using semaglutide were over four times more likely to develop NAION, while obese patients using the drug had a more than seven-fold increased risk. Despite these findings, researchers emphasize that the study is observational and further research is needed to establish causality. The study analyzed data from nearly 17,000 patients over six years and underscores the importance of patient-doctor discussions regarding potential risks. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer, has stated that the data is not sufficient to confirm a causal relationship, and the condition remains rare, affecting 2 to 10 per 100,000 people.