Ozempic, NAION and vision loss: What people need to know

by Carlos E. Martinez, MD, MS

Optum HCC ophthalmologist

Recent studies show a potential link between the popular diabetes and weight loss medication, Semaglutide, sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, and a rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can lead to sudden, irreversible vision loss. However, more research is needed to confirm a direct causal link between Semaglutide and NAION.

NAION is characterized by a reduction or blockage of blood flow to the optic nerve, which can result in sudden vision loss. Often described as a 'stroke of the optic nerve,' NAION is the second most common optic nerve disease in the United States, affecting up to 10 out of 100,000 people. There is no known treatment for NAION, making it one of the most common causes of sudden blindness. A recent study shows that people who had diabetes, were overweight, or had obesity and were prescribed Semaglutide had a higher incidence of developing NAION compared to those who were not taking the drug. In the diabetes group, 17 out of 200 patients on Semaglutide developed NAION at a rate four times higher than those not on the medication. In the obesity group, 20 out of 361 patients developed the condition at a rate seven times higher. It is important to recognize that people with type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypertension conditions commonly associated with obesity are already at increased risk for vision problems, including NAION.

People taking Ozempic or Wegovy should not be alarmed, but should remain informed. Dr. Shauna Levy, an obesity medicine specialist, mentions that the findings will not change her prescribing practices, as the overall risk remains low. However, patients who have existing vision loss or are concerned about the risk of developing NAION should discuss these findings with their healthcare provider and their treatment options.

Dr. Carlos E. Martinez, the medical director at Eye Physicians of Long Beach, has served as assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at UCI, and chairman of ophthalmology at Long Beach Memorial Hospital. He has also authored many peer reviewed articles and book chapters in ophthalmology and has personally performed over 20,000 procedures. LW residents can find Dr. Martinez at the Eye Department in the Optum Health Care Center.