Popular weight loss drug can cause complete vision loss: What is known

What have studies shown about Ozempic

Concerns about vision loss associated with GLP-1 drugs have been circulating in the medical field for quite some time.

A previous study published in 2024 found that people who used semaglutide were four times more likely to develop a rare but scary eye disease called non-arterial anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION for short.

But in January 2025, a new study published in the journal JAMA went one step further.

The research team, led by ophthalmologist Bradley Katz, says that both semaglutide (sold under brand names such as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (sold under brand names such as Mounjaro and Zepbound) can lead to NAION, as well as two additional conditions related to blindness.

Of the nine patients (aged 37 to 77 years) evaluated in the study, seven were diagnosed with NAION after using weight loss drugs. Both active ingredients, semaglutide and tirzepatide, were presented in the study.

Ozempic and vision loss

Ozempic, a popular weight-loss drug that is also used to treat type 2 diabetes, is in the spotlight due to a new study linking it to an increased risk of serious vision problems, including potential vision loss.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, found that people taking Ozempic (semaglutide) are at increased risk of developing non-arterial anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

NAION is a rare disease that affects the optic nerve and can lead to sudden vision loss.

The study included data from more than 90,000 patients with type 2 diabetes who were taking different drugs to treat the disease. The results showed that people taking Ozempic were 2.4 times more likely to develop NAION than those taking other drugs.

It is important to note that this study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between taking Ozempic and the development of NAION. It does, however, point to the need for further research to explore this issue in more detail.

The study authors note that doctors should be aware of the potential risk of NAION in patients taking Ozempic. Patients taking this medication should consult a doctor if they notice any changes in their vision, such as blurred vision, loss of color, or problems with peripheral vision.

Ozempic is a medication that helps people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels and also helps to lose weight. However, like any other medicine, it can have side effects. Therefore, it is important to take Ozempic only as prescribed by your doctor and under his or her supervision.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.