FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) identified a potential risk of a rare eye condition that can cause permanent vision loss for some people who take GLP -1 medications Ozempic and Wegovy.
The FDA is now requiring updated warning labels on the medications, which belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1s. Millions of Americans use these medications to manage diabetes and help with weight loss.
A recent Gallup poll found that 11% of U.S. adults say they are currently taking a GLP-1 medication, up from just 3% two years ago.
According to local eye doctor Dr. Adams, the medications have been linked to an increased risk of a condition called ischemic optic neuropathy, which occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, potentially causing permanent damage.
“Patients will wake up or throughout the day, just notice spontaneous, painless loss of vision,” Dr. Adams explained.
The vision loss does not typically affect the entire field of vision. Instead, patients may lose their upper or lower field of vision.
Dr. Adams says people with certain underlying health conditions may already be more vulnerable because of damage to the small blood vessels that supply the optic nerve.
Those conditions include long-standing diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.
As blood flow to the optic nerve gradually worsens, patients may eventually reach a tipping point, increasing their risk of damage.
The FDA estimates approximately six cases of ischemic optic neuropathy for every 100,000 people who took a GLP-1 medication for at least one year.
While the condition is considered rare, the consequences can be life-changing. Currently, there is no established treatment to restore vision lost as a result of the condition.
Dr. Adams says there is no guaranteed way to prevent it, but encourages people considering GLP-1 medications to discuss potential risks with their eye doctor, particularly if they have underlying health conditions.
An eye examination can help identify existing eye problems and certain risk factors.
Anyone taking a GLP-1 medication who experiences vision loss should contact their health care provider and consider reporting the event to the FDA.
To report a potential medication-related side effect:
Submit a report online through the FDA’s MedWatch reporting system.
Call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form.
Fax a completed form to 1-800-FDA-0178.
Patients should seek prompt medical attention if they experience sudden or unexplained vision changes.