recent study shows that people ….

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.