Large studies confirm a link bewteen GLP-1 weight loss drugs and eye conditions

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-08-12 01:00

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Two large studies have confirmed links between the group of diabetes and weight loss drugs that includes Ozempic, and eye conditions. One study, using data from more than 1.5 million people, found that there was an increased risk of optic nerve disorders in people with diabetes taking the drugs semaglutide or tirzepatide. A second study in over 185,000 people found a link between taking a GLP-1 drug and a slightly higher risk of an eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy. An accompanying editorial says the studies support a link between these drugs and eye outcomes.

Media release

From: JAMA

Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and Optic Nerve and Visual Pathway Disorders in Type 2 Diabetes
JAMA Network Open

About The Study: In this study of patients with type 2 diabetes who had no prior eye disorders, patients prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide had an increased risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and other optic nerve disorders, although the overall risk was low. These findings highlight the need for close monitoring of these conditions.

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.26327)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Sight-Threatening Ophthalmic Complications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
JAMA Network Open

About The Study: In this cohort study of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) use was associated with a modestly increased risk of incident diabetic retinopathy (DR); however, fewer patients experienced sight-threatening DR complications, including blindness, even among those with preexisting DR. These findings suggest that all patients with T2D treated with GLP-1 RAs, regardless of preexisting DR, should be regularly screened and monitored for potential complications of T2D.

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.26321)

Attachments

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Research JAMA, Web page Paper 1 - Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Research JAMA, Web page Paper 2 - Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Editorial / Opinion JAMA, Web page Please link to the article in online versions of your report (the URL will go live after the embargo ends).

Journal/
conference: JAMA Network Open

Research: Link to Paper 1 | Paper 2

Organisation/s: Case Western Reserve University, USA, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, USA

Funder: Paper 1 - support from grants AG057557, AG061388, AG062272, and AG076649 from the National Institute on Aging and TR004528 from the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences. See Paper 2 for conflict of interest disclosures.

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