Rare vision-loss condition linked to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy under review

People taking popular GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound are facing new questions about a rare eye condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, according to ABC News. Dozens of lawsuits claim the drugs were not properly warned as researchers and regulators keep studying whether there is a link.

A study published atRutgers University found a small increase in risk, while ABC News reported that no study has proven the medicines cause the condition. The Food and Drug Administration says it is still evaluating the safety signal.

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What patients should know

NAION is a sudden loss of blood flow to the optic nerve and can cause painless vision loss, often in one eye, per ABC News. Dr. John Chen of Mayo Clinic told ABC News that it is the most common acute optic neuropathy in adults over 50, and that vision loss is usually permanent.

Rutgers researcher Chintan Dave said the added risk was small, about three to four extra cases per 10,000 patients over 18 months. He confirmed that most cases in the study involved either only men or adults aged 50 to 65, and early eye exams may matter most for people already at higher risk.

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The Rutgers study found an association, not proof of causation. Researchers said the findings may reflect differences in underlying health, including diabetes and other risk factors, rather than a direct effect of the drugs.

Drugmakers Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly said they monitor safety closely. Novo said it is “committed to patient safety and continuously monitors the safety profile of our GLP-1 RA products,” while Lilly said, “Patient safety is Lilly's top priority,” according to ABC News,

Health officials in the U.S. and abroad are still reviewing the data. ABC News reported that some regulators outside the U.S. have already required warnings about a possible rare risk, but the FDA has not made NAION a specifically listed side effect.

Patients who notice sudden blurring, dimming or loss of part of their visual field should seek prompt medical care. The condition can be serious, even if the overall risk appears low.