Over the past few years, weight-loss drugs have taken the world by storm. Popularized by celebrities and influencers coupled with dramatic weight loss transformations, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus have become household names. However, as clinical trials and studies continue to advance, we’re learning there could be some significant health risks associated with taking these drugs – including the potential loss of vision. But first, what are these drugs and where did they come from?
The History of Weight-Loss Drugs
Weight-loss drugs can be traced back to the 1930s. What started as unsafe stimulants morphed into dangerous appetite suppressants, most of which were pulled from the market. The public was inundated with advertisements for the new “magical cure” for weight loss, as various products, contraptions and drugs took their turn in the marketing extravaganza. But of course, there was no magical cure.
In 1988, a discovery was made by Danish scientists that would birth the Ozempic-craze of modern times. On a search for stomach ulcer treatments, researchers began studying peptides known as Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It was discovered that the GLP-1 was excellent at controlling blood sugar.
As a result, GLP-1 became a promising drug for Type 2 diabetes. With a few modifications and FDA approval, a semaglutide injection called Ozempic hit the market in 2017. It didn’t take long for people to notice that along with controlling blood sugar, Ozempic had the powerful ability to slow digestion, reduce appetite and shed fat.
From there, thanks to social media and celebs like Oprah Winfrey, Amy Schumer and Khloé Kardashian, Ozempic entered the mainstream. After that, it didn’t take long for drugs like Wegovy (a higher dose) and Rybelsus (oral form) to hit the market.
Risks of Modern Weight-Loss Drugs
While semaglutide injections and oral formations for controlling blood sugar have been successful for both diabetes patients and people hoping for a body transformation, the drugs come with risks. They’re somewhat of a double-edged sword.
Gastrointestinal issues are the most common adverse effects, while also being the least dangerous risk. But the other risks are more serious. While studies are not yet conclusive, there have been unique case reports of acute pancreatitis, pulmonary aspiration, acute kidney injury and acute gallbladder injury – all of which can be life-threatening.
Aside from relatively rare cases of serious injury and even death, these weight-loss drugs also present adverse effects that can impact eye health and vision.
Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)
NAION happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked, which has the ability to cause sudden vision loss in one eye and swelling of the optic nerve head. It’s a common form of vision loss for adults over 50, and is linked to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea.
NAION is one of the few adverse effects of semaglutide and oral formations where an association has been suggested by studies. While more research is needed to determine causality, a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that overweight or obese recipients who took semaglutide drugs developed NAION at a greater rate than those who took the placebo.
Because there is no known cure for NAION, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that people do not take semaglutide drugs like Ozempic. And once one eye experiences blindness, the risk of blindness increases for the other eye. Your best defence is managing risk factors, which includes making regular visits to your optometrist for an Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scan.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a microvascular complication that impacts the eyes of those who suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes. DR is the leading cause of blindness among adults. It’s caused when the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the eye, become damaged. As the condition worsens, DR is known to cause floaters, blurred vision, empty areas in the field of vision, and eventually blindness.
It’s important to note that studies have yet to conclude that semaglutide therapy causes DR. Still, in clinical trials it was found that DR complications were developed at a significantly higher rate among those who took semaglutide vs. the placebo. A longer-term clinical trial is currently underway to study the effects of semaglutide on the development and progression of DR.
If you have diabetes, the best way to prevent future vision loss is to make yearly appointments at your optometrist – regardless of whether your vision seems normal or not. If you’re pregnant, more frequent trips are recommended and if you notice your vision change at all, contact your optometrist right away.
If you’re weighing the benefits and risks of taking semaglutide drugs, whether you’re diabetic or hoping to lose weight, it’s best to consult both your optometrist and your doctor. Given your current condition, the drugs may be unsafe or carry unnecessary risks.
Inner Harbour Optometry has two downtown Victoria locations. Contact us today or book your appointment with ease via our online booking system. We hope to see you soon!
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