Does Ozempic Cause Vision Loss?
Although glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, are gaining widespread popularity for treating type 2 diabetes or managing weight, they can cause side effects. Most side effects tend to improve as your body adjusts to the drug, but recent research suggests a very rare risk of vision loss may occur with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic.
In this article, we’ll take a look at vision loss that may occur with Ozempic use, including possible signs and symptoms and risk factors.
You may have heard of the terms “Ozempic blindness,” “semaglutide blindness,” or “Ozempic eye rot.” Although those terms paint descriptive pictures, they are informal ways to refer to Ozempic-related vision changes and are not official medical terms.
However, the actual medical condition that Ozempic use may cause is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). With NAION, blood flow to the eye becomes restricted, which can result in sudden, painless, vision loss in one eye. The condition may affect up to
Typically, the vision loss from NAION is permanent.
Although NAION is considered very rare, your doctor will likely recommend regular eye exams to monitor your overall eye health during your Ozempic treatment. If you notice vision changes when using your medication, talk with your doctor as soon as possible. If you experience sudden, painless vision loss, you should see a healthcare professional right away.
Recent research suggests a potential link between semaglutide, the active ingredient found in Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs, and vision changes, such as NAION. These effects remain very rare.
If you are using Ozempic to manage your condition, your healthcare professional will likely discuss your individual risk factors and how often you should have an eye exam to monitor your vision. If you have questions about Ozempic and vision loss, talk with your healthcare professional.