The world has long been grappling with the obesity epidemic, recognizing its connection to serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. In an attempt to combat this crisis, Ozempic and Wegovy, medications initially marketed for diabetes and weight loss respectively, rapidly gained popularity, even becoming favored choices among Hollywood celebrities. However, a recent study published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology has cast a shadow on the widespread use of these medications, suggesting a possible link to a rare form of blindness.
Researchers at Mass General Brigham have discovered that patients taking semaglutide, the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy, experienced a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with a rare condition called NAION (Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) compared to patients with obesity or diabetes who did not use the medication. NAION, a type of stroke affecting the optic nerve, can lead to sudden and painless vision loss in one eye. The condition, while uncommon, affects up to 10 out of 100,000 individuals in the general population.
The exact mechanism by which semaglutide interacts with the eyes, and the precise cause of NAION remain unclear. The study, conducted by researchers at Harvard University, analyzed data from over 16,000 patients at the Mass Eye and Ear Hospital over a six-year period. The data revealed a concerning trend: individuals with diabetes were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION if they were taking semaglutide, while those with obesity had a seven times higher chance of developing the condition. The risk appeared to be most prominent during the first year after starting semaglutide.
It’s important to note that the study does not establish a definitive causal link between semaglutide treatment and NAION. Additionally, the relatively small sample size of patients, derived from a single specialty hospital, may not accurately reflect the broader population. Nevertheless, this study represents the first to suggest a potential association between these popular medications and the rare condition.
Dr. Joseph Rizzo, director of neuro-ophthalmology at Mass General Brigham’s Mass Eye and Ear, emphasized the significance of these findings, stating that “future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.” While acknowledging the study’s preliminary nature, Dr. Rizzo underscored the need for further research involving a larger and more diverse population.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, acknowledged the study’s findings but maintained that the data does not establish a causal connection between the drugs and NAION. The company highlighted that NAION has not been listed as a potential adverse effect in the medications’ FDA-approved labeling. Novo Nordisk further emphasized that semaglutide has been extensively studied in large real-world evidence studies and clinical trials involving millions of patient years, demonstrating its safety profile.
Despite the potential risk highlighted by the study, experts in the field have cautioned against discouraging the use of semaglutide for diabetes and obesity management. Ophthalmologist Susan Mollan from University Hospitals Birmingham, UK, emphasized the importance of staying vigilant for potential disease associations and ensuring patient safety.
Endocrinologist Dr. Disha Narang, director of obesity medicine at Endeavor Health in Chicago, explained that variations in blood sugar levels can impact the structure of the eye’s lens and vision. The use of semaglutides, which stimulate insulin production to lower blood sugar, has been previously associated with temporary vision changes, including the development or worsening of diabetic retinopathy, a condition affecting the blood vessels in the back of the eye. This is likely due to the rapid drop in blood sugar levels induced by semaglutides.
In conclusion, while the study raises concerns about a possible link between semaglutide and NAION, further research is crucial to definitively determine the nature of this association. Open communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding potential risks and benefits of medication remains essential for making informed decisions about treatment options.
