Study Links Ozempic to Rare Eye Condition

Recent studies have highlighted a potential association between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, and an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss. A Danish-Norwegian study suggests that diabetes patients using Ozempic are over twice as likely to develop NAION compared to those on other diabetes medications, although the absolute risk remains low at about 0.3% to 0.5% over 20 years of use. The findings corroborate earlier research from Harvard University, which noted a similar increase in risk among semaglutide users. Despite the concerning results, experts caution that further research is necessary before establishing a definitive link. NAION affects roughly 10 out of every 100,000 people in the U.S. annually, and currently, there is no treatment for the condition. Novo Nordisk has yet to comment on these findings, which come amid ongoing scrutiny of the safety of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic.