Study Links Wegovy to Increased Risk of Rare Eye Condition
Research indicates a higher association between the weight-loss drug Wegovy and ischemic optic neuropathy, a rare cause of sudden vision loss.
Recent research has identified a potential link between the weight-loss medication Wegovy and an increased risk of ischemic optic neuropathy (ION), a rare condition that can lead to sudden vision loss. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, analyzed over 30 million reports from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System spanning from 2017 to 2024. Among 31,774 cases involving semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, the drug demonstrated the strongest association with ION, with a reporting odds ratio of 74.89, compared to 18.81 for Ozempic, another semaglutide-based medication.
The analysis also revealed a higher risk in men, with a reporting odds ratio of 116.37. The authors emphasized the need for further prospective studies to guide prescribing practices and regulatory policies.
Ischemic optic neuropathy occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked, potentially causing sudden partial or complete blindness in one or both eyes. While the condition is rare, the findings raise important safety considerations as the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy continues to expand globally.
The study's authors called for urgent evaluation to better understand the formulation- and dose-dependent risks associated with these medications.