Popular weight-loss jabs Ozempic and Wegovy linked to rare condition that can cause blindness

Popular weight-loss jabs have been linked to an eye condition that can cause blindness.

People with diabetes prescribed semaglutide (brand names Wegovy and Ozempic) were more than four times more likely to be diagnosed with a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), according to a new study.

Meanwhile, people who were overweight or obese prescribed the drugs were more than seven times as likely to develop the condition as those on other weight-loss medicines.

NAION, which is uncommon, occurs from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the optic nerve. People typically suffer sudden vision loss in one eye, without any pain, and patients often notice the issue on waking up.

There are no current treatments for NAION and vision often does not improve.

The new study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, was led by Joseph Rizzo, a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School in the US.

He said: “The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialised countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways, but future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.

“It is important to appreciate, however, that the increased risk relates to a disorder that is relatively uncommon.”

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Source: The Independent, 5 July 2024