Doctors advise caution on vision risks linked to diabetes, weight-loss drugs

Medical experts have urged caution over potential eye-related risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs increasingly used to treat obesity and type-2 diabetes.

Medical experts have urged caution over potential eye-related risks associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, a class of drugs increasingly used to treat obesity and type-2 diabetes.

Medications such as semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro) have gained global attention for their effectiveness in improving blood sugar control and aiding weight loss.

Their use in India is expected to rise following the expiry of semaglutide’s key patent on March 20, potentially paving the way for more affordable versions. While this could expand access, doctors warned it may also lead to unsupervised or inappropriate use.

Ophthalmologists point to growing evidence that these drugs may be linked to an initial worsening of diabetic retinopathy and, in rare cases, non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) - often described as an “eye stroke” that can cause sudden, painless vision loss.

Experts said rapid reductions in blood sugar levels triggered by these therapies may temporarily affect blood flow to the retina and optic nerve in some patients.

Although long-term data is still evolving, global agencies such as the World Health Organisation and the European Medicines Agency have recognised NAION as a rare potential adverse effect.