Weight-Loss Drugs May Pose Rare Vision Risk; Doctors Advise Against Stopping Treatment in Panic
Bhopal:
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new safety warning regarding popular medicines used for weight loss and the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Drugs belonging to the GLP-1 category, including Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, may be associated with an increased risk of a rare eye condition known as Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). The condition reduces blood flow to the optic nerve and can cause sudden vision loss in one eye. In some cases, the damage may be permanent.
On November 9, 2026, the FDA directed manufacturers to include a warning about the potential risk on the labels of these medicines. The agency analysed data from 126 clinical trials involving more than 134,000 participants. The analysis found 6.4 cases of NAION per 100,000 person-years among people taking GLP-1 medicines, compared with 3.8 cases in the comparison group. However, the findings do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the medicines and the condition.
Who Should Be More Cautious?
People with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, kidney disease, anaemia or sleep apnoea should be particularly alert. Smokers and patients who have previously experienced NAION in one eye should also discuss their individual risk with their doctors.
Sudden Vision Changes Require Immediate Attention
Sudden vision loss in one eye, painless blurred vision, a dark spot in the field of vision or loss of a portion of the visual field can be warning signs. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate evaluation by an eye specialist.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society have advised patients not to stop their medication out of fear. These medicines can offer significant benefits to people with obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctors before making any decision to continue, discontinue or change treatment. If NAION is confirmed, doctors may consider adjusting the medication after evaluating the patient's condition and treatment needs.
Hashtags: #Health #Bhopal #Weight #Loss #Drugs #May #Pose #Rare #Vision #WeightLossDrugsMay
