Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, both containing the active ingredient semaglutide, have become the talk of the town, with many celebrities, including Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, praising their results. Originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, these medications have also shown promising weight loss benefits in several studies. However, despite the buzz and growing curiosity, experts caution that these drugs are not without risks. They can cause side effects, and the latest concern, highlighted in a recent study, is a potential link to optic nerve damage, highlighting the need for medical guidance before use.
Also Read: Can High Cortisol Increase The Risk Of Glaucoma Here's What You Should Know
What Are Optic Nerve Disorders?
Optic nerve disorders are conditions that affect the optic nerve, the vital link between your eyes and brain that carries visual information. These disorders can lead to various vision problems, including blurred vision, vision loss, and colour blindness. Several factors can cause optic nerve damage, including inflammation (optic neuritis), ischaemia (lack of blood flow), compression from tumours or other masses, and even inherited genetic conditions.
What Does Study Say About The Link Between Weight Loss Drugs And Optic Nerve Disorder?
A large US study published in JAMA Network, using medical records from more than 10.5 lakh people with type 2 diabetes, found that those taking semaglutide (like Ozempic) or tirzepatide (like Mounjaro) had a slightly higher risk of developing certain eye problems compared to those on other diabetes medications.
Researchers compared nearly 80,000 people on these drugs with an equal number taking different treatments and followed them for two years.
They found that a rare condition called Nonarteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), which can damage the optic nerve and affect vision, occurred in 0.04% of people on semaglutide or tirzepatide versus 0.02% in the comparison group.
NAION is a condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced, leading to vision loss in one eye. It is the most common form of optic nerve swelling and neuropathy in adults over 50, according to StatPearls Publishing.
Other optic nerve disorders appeared in 0.12% of people on these drugs compared to 0.07% in others. While this means the relative risk was higher, the overall number of cases was very low. Experts stress there’s no need for alarm but recommend regular eye check-ups for people taking these medications.
Also Read: Swelling In The Optic Nerve? Know The Symptoms, Causes, Treatment Of Optic Neuritis
Should Diabetes People Be Concerned?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team,Dr Kashish Gupta, Consultant Endocrinology, PSRI Hospital, Delhi, says, "For people with type 2 diabetes, the proven benefits of these drugs in blood sugar control, weight loss, and cardiovascular protection generally outweigh this rare risk."
"However, patients, especially those with diabetic retinopathy or other pre-existing eye disease, should have a baseline comprehensive eye examination, regular ophthalmology follow-ups, and close monitoring of vision during treatment. Even mild, unexplained blurring or dimming of vision should be reported immediately," she adds.
Maintaining good control of blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol may further reduce the risk, and coordination between the treating endocrinologist and eye specialist can help ensure early detection and prompt management of any eye-related side effects, Dr Gupta concludes.