Popular GLP-1 Drugs Under Scrutiny
While blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have transformed weight loss and diabetes care, new research shows a possible new risk. A Canadian study notes that GLP-1 use may create a higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD is a leading cause of vision loss.
Although the risk is small, it still causes concern among both patients and healthcare experts.
New Data Suggests AMD Relation
In particular, the study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, analyzed data from 139,000 patients with type 2 diabetes in Ontario. Around 46,000 patients took GLP-1 drugs, while the other participants served as controls.
Over the study period, about 0.2% of GLP-1 users developed neovascular AMD, compared to just 0.1% in the non-user group.
In other words, GLP-1 users had more than double the risk of developing this serious eye disease.
Interestingly, patients on the drugs for over 30 months had an even higher risk.
A Plausible Link to AMD, But Not Proof
Despite the study’s outcome, experts caution that it suggests an association, but does not confirm causation. Still, the findings add to a growing concern about potential eye problems linked to GLP-1 drugs.
Andrew Mihalache, one of the study authors, noted that a dose–response relationship strengthens the suspicion of a real link to AMD.
“The dose-response effect we observed — where longer GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure was associated with higher risk — strengthens the argument that this association may reflect a true biological effect rather than being due to confounding factors,” Mihalache explained.
Meanwhile, ophthalmologist Linda Lam told Healthline that GLP-1 receptors in the retina might also influence blood vessel growth. Moreover, rapid blood sugar changes could affect retinal blood flow, contributing to AMD.
“When you make the retina more hypoxic, which is what the GLP-1s do, it basically pushes it further over the threshold, causing more abnormal blood vessels to grow,” she said.
Keep AMD Risks in Perspective
Despite these findings, experts stress that the absolute risk remains low. Even with a doubled risk, AMD affects only about 1 to 2 in every 1,000 GLP-1 users. Nevertheless, doctors should warn patients about possible vision changes.
Regular eye exams can help catch early signs of AMD. As such, patients should also report any vision problems promptly.
Industry Reaction and Next Steps
Novo Nordisk, a key manufacturer of GLP-1 drugs, has not yet updated its official labels to include AMD as a side effect.
But the European Medicines Agency has flagged rare eye conditions like optic nerve disorders in some semaglutide users. Consequently, this news adds a sense of urgency to ongoing safety reviews.
Conclusion
GLP-1 drugs continue to offer big benefits for diabetes and weight loss. But patients and doctors alike should stay vigilant about vision health. After all, a small risk still matters when it comes to your eyes.
The study authors emphasize that these findings about AMD need confirmation in randomized clinical trials. Hence, further studies could clarify the exact mechanisms behind this link. Until then, experts urge caution but not panic.
