A recent study conducted by researchers from Mass General Brigham has revealed that weight-loss drugs, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, may potentially elevate the risk of a rare eye condition that can ultimately result in blindness. The study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, focused on the link between non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and medications containing semaglutide.

NAION is a debilitating condition caused by inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve, often leading to vision loss in one eye and, in severe cases, total blindness. According to the researchers, individuals who develop NAION in one eye have a 15 percent chance of it occurring in the other eye within a year.

The investigation was prompted by three patients in the Mass Eye and Ear practice, who were all diagnosed with vision loss resulting from NAION after taking semaglutide medications in the same week. This "uncommon optic nerve disease" typically affects around 10 out of 100,000 people in the general population and is the second-leading cause of optic nerve blindness, preceded only by glaucoma.

To gather data, the researchers analyzed the medical records of over 17,000 patients treated by Mass Eye and Ear within six years of Ozempic's release. The findings demonstrated that patients with diabetes who were prescribed semaglutide were over four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION. Additionally, overweight or obese individuals prescribed this medication exhibited over seven times the risk of developing NAION.

Senior study author Joseph Rizzo, MD, director of neuro-ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear, emphasized the importance of including NAION as a potential risk during discussions between patients and physicians. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, Rizzo highlighted the need for further research in larger and more diverse populations.

Following the release of the study, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, responded by pointing out "key methodological limitations" in the research. The company stated that the study's design did not assess any causal relationship between NAION and semaglutide exposure, and NAION is not considered an adverse drug reaction according to the approved labels of their medications.

It is crucial for patients to prioritize their safety by consulting their healthcare providers and having open discussions about potential risks associated with their medication choices. While this study sheds light on the increased risk of NAION with weight-loss drugs, further research is needed to develop a comprehensive understanding of the correlation.

Please note that the information provided by Best Life is intended to be informative and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on your health-related concerns.