Ozempic is the new medication we’re all hearing about. But what is it and what does it do? Ozempic helps people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar. It works to mimic hormones in your body and slows digestion which signals your brain into thinking it’s full. It also helps your body create more insulin which helps regulate sugar levels.
A common side effect of Ozempic is weight loss, and you’ve probably seen it being used for this as well. Another higher-dose version of Ozempic is called Wegovy and it’s used for weight loss management. It’s injected once a week into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm, and the dose is adjusted over time if needed.
But how can these medications affect your eyes? One study showed a link between Ozempic and NAION (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy). This happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked and sudden, painless vision loss occurs. The study showed a potential link between the semiglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) and NAION. It did not show that the treatment specifically caused the NAION, but further studies will likely be done. Also, people who are diabetic already have an increased risk for NAION.
Other studies have shown that semiglutides can cause blurred vision, worsening of diabetic retinopathy (diabetic changes in the back of the eye), and macular complications. This does seem to be temporary and resolves over months.
If you are taking either medications, please let your eye doctor know and they can help monitor the health of your eye. If you experience changes in vision, it is important to inform them of these changes right away.
