Worried About Your Vision on Ozempic or Wegovy? Read This First

Semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have shown proven results for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity. Also known as GLP-1 agonists, these drugs work by mimicking a hormone that regulates appetite and blood glucose control. However, a study linked semaglutide like Ozempic and Wegovy to an increased risk of a rare eye condition that can lead to blindness. 

And on June 6, the European Medicines Agency announced they’re now recommending the drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk update its product information and list the condition as a known side effect, albeit one that’s very rare. So, if you’re taking these popular weight loss drugs, should you be worried about rare eye diseases? Probably not. Here we break down what the study results show, why there’s been an updated warning and whether or not you should stop taking semaglutide.

Can Ozempic or Wegovy really cause blindness?

The short answer is that it’s highly unlikely. A study of more than 16,000 patients published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology found that those taking semaglutide medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, had a higher risk of developing an eye condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

“NAION happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked,” says Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, FACE, clinical associate director in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism at NYU School of Medicine. “It can cause the sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye.”

In people with type 2 diabetes, the study found that the risk of developing NAION was around four times higher for patients taking semaglutide compared to those who weren’t. And among patients who were overweight or obese, the potential risk of developing NAION was more than seven times higher for those taking semaglutide compared to those who weren’t.

Why regulators are asking to add blindness as a rare side effect

The European Medicines Agency is the first regulator to confirm the side effect shown in studies, which can potentially cause vision loss. As a result, the committee asked drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk to list the eye condition as a “very rare” side effect in their semaglutide medications. That includes injectables like Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy, as well as their oral pill Rybelsus.

What the Ozempic and Wegovy blindness study tells us

The study results may be alarming, but eye experts say there’s no need to panic. “It is important to realize the limitations of the study design,” Dr. Pessah-Pollack says. 

For starters, the study population consisted of neuro-ophthalmic patients at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, a care institution that treats rare eye conditions. That means the level of risk may be different for the general population. 

And because semaglutide is used to manage type 2 diabetes or obesity—both of which are risk factors for NAION—more research is needed to clarify whether the increased risk of blindness is due to semaglutide like Ozempic or Wegovy, underlying conditions or a combination of both.

“The relationship between type 2 diabetes, obesity and NAION is complex,” says Meenal Agarwal, MD, optometrist and host of the podcast Uncover Your Eyes. “While semaglutide is associated with NAION, the increased risk of NAION appears more closely linked to the underlying conditions rather than the medication itself.”  

Other ways Ozempic or Wegovy may affect your vision

While the link between semaglutide and NAION blindness isn’t fully understood yet, it’s still important to monitor any vision changes while taking medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.

“There are other eye changes that can potentially occur with semaglutide that we have been aware of for some time,” Dr. Pessah-Pollack says. “These include blurry vision, macular complications and worsening of diabetic retinopathy.”

A study published in the journal Eye also found that patients taking semaglutide like Ozempic or Wegovy had a higher risk of certain complications of diabetic retinopathy, including blindness and vitreous hemorrhage (a type of bleeding in the eye). 

But Dr. Agarwal notes that these cases are relatively rare. “The majority of people taking these medications do not experience any significant eye issues,” she says.

Why these medications may still protect your eyes

Semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy actually help manage conditions that can affect eye health too. Taking the medications may in fact be good for your vision, so it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits with your doctor. 

Type 2 diabetes can harm the eyes and lead to vision loss over time. “High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in our retina—the light-sensitive tissue inside the eye—which can lead to blurred vision, floaters and the potential for blindness,” Dr. Agarwal says. “Some of the most common conditions that high blood glucose levels can cause are diabetic retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.”

And obesity is linked to a higher risk of cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration—all of which can affect vision.

Bottom line: If you’re concerned about the risk of vision loss, talk to your doctor about whether semaglutide is still the best option for you, and be sure to report any eye problems ASAP. “If you’re taking Ozempic or Wegovy and notice any changes in your vision such as blurred vision, flashes of light or floaters, consult with your optometrist,” Dr. Agarwal says. “They can assess your symptoms and determine if they are related to the medication or another underlying issue.”

More ways to protect your vision:

Castor Oil for Dry Eyes Relieved One Woman’s Discomfort When Nothing Else Worked

High Blood Sugar Can Affect Your Eyes—Here’s What to Know About Diabetic Retinopathy Symptoms

Judi Dench on Losing Her Eyesight: Discover the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.