Can GLP-1 Agonists Cause Vision Loss?

Clinical Takeaway

: More evidence suggests an association between GLP-1 agonists and a rare cause of vision loss; clinicians should advise patients of this potential risk.

Context

Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare disorder that may result in permanent vision loss. Several observational studies have reported an association between glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)–receptor agonists and NAION. Now three more studies further investigate this relationship.

Key Results

In a meta-analysis of 20 randomized trials involving 80,000 patients, mostly with type 2 diabetes (mean follow-up, 3 years), GLP-1 agonists were not associated with a composite outcome of serious ocular events or with the prespecified outcome of ischemic optic neuropathy.
An observational study involving 100,000 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes on metformin compared adding the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide versus empagliflozi…

Reviewing Author

David S. Weisman, D.O., F.A.C.P.

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose