Experts warn of possible link between weight loss drugs and vision loss
Doctors have warned that people using popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic face the risk of developing a debilitating condition.
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Medical experts have raised concerns over popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro after emerging evidence found they may lead to severe, and sometimes permanent, vision loss.
A new study has linked the active ingredients in these drugs — semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — to conditions that inflame and block blood flow to the optic nerve, potentially leading to blindness.
The report, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, detailed nine cases of US patients who lost their vision after taking the medications. It included a woman in her 50s who lost sight in one eye just a day after her first semaglutide injection.
After stopping the medication, her vision returned two months later. However, when she resumed taking the drug, she lost vision in her other eye.
In another case, a woman in her 30s suffered optic nerve swelling and retinal haemorrhages three months after starting semaglutide, while a man in his 60s developed blurred vision and retinal bleeding 10 months into treatment, later losing sight in both eyes.
Seven of the nine patients were diagnosed with non arteritic ischaemic anterior optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is restricted, leading to sudden vision loss.
While the exact cause remains unclear, researchers suspect these drugs may rapidly lower blood sugar levels, potentially damaging blood vessels in the eyes.
Last year, the American Academy of Ophthalmology urged patients who experience vision issues while taking semaglutide to immediately stop the drug and consult a doctor. However, they have not recommended against the medication altogether.
Meanwhile, Danish health officials — where Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk is based — are currently investigating potential links between semaglutide and vision loss.
Though the researchers have emphasised that their findings show an association, not causation, the cases raise urgent questions about the long-term safety of these widely used medications.
According to Novo Nordisk, they have recently advised Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group (MSAG) that supply will remain limited in 2025.
In response, the TGA consulted with clinical and patient groups which advises prescribers to:
- Consider the ongoing shortage when prescribing Ozempic, inform patients that supply is expected to be limited in 2025 and discuss alternative treatments when patients are unable to access the medicine
- Prescribe and supply both Ozempic and Wegovy according to their approved indications (circumstances for use).
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