Diabetes Drug Linked to Increased Risk of Blinding Eye Disease, Study Finds

A recent retrospective matched cohort study has revealed a link between the widely-used diabetes medication semaglutide and an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness.¹ 

This discovery raises significant concerns for patients with type 2 diabetes or overweight/obesity who are prescribed semaglutide for weight loss or glycemic control. 

Here are the study’s findings that examine the potential implications for patients and healthcare providers alike.

What is NAION? 

NAION is a rare but serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible blindness. It affects the optic nerve, which is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. 

It is the leading cause of optic nerve blindness after glaucoma, and it can strike suddenly and progress rapidly.^(ref)

The Semaglutide Connection

A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology has raised concerns about the safety of semaglutide, a popular medication marketed as Ozempic and Wegovy for diabetes and weight loss. 

Researchers at Harvard Teaching Hospital and Mass Eye and Ear noticed an unusual cluster of NAION cases among patients taking semaglutide. This prompted them to investigate a potential link between the drug and this sight-threatening condition.

Analysis of Patient Records Reveals Increased Risk

The researchers conducted a retrospective analysis of over 17,000 patient records from Mass Eye and Ear, covering a six-year period since Ozempic’s introduction to the market. They compared patients prescribed semaglutide with those taking other diabetes and weight loss medications. 

The results were concerning: individuals with diabetes who used semaglutide were over four times more likely to develop NAION, while those with overweight or obesity faced a more than sevenfold increased risk.

Cautious Interpretation & Need for Further Research 

Lead author Dr. Joseph Rizzo emphasized the need for caution in interpreting these findings. He stressed that the study was retrospective and based on a limited population. 

Future research with larger and more diverse groups of patients is essential to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms behind the increased NAION risk.

Informing Patient-Doctor Discussions

Despite the limitations of the study, the findings have important implications for patients and healthcare providers. 

Dr. Rizzo recommended that the potential risk of NAION be discussed during consultations, especially for individuals with existing eye conditions or those at higher risk of optic nerve problems. Open communication and informed decision-making are crucial when considering treatment options.

Study Limitations

The study’s retrospective design and the unique patient population at Mass Eye and Ear, known for its expertise in rare eye diseases, are acknowledged limitations. 

The relatively small number of NAION cases over the six-year period also warrants further investigation. Furthermore, the study could not account for individual variations in medication adherence, which might influence the risk of NAION.

Source:

1. JAMA Opthalmology