A group of optimists is warning that GLP-1 medications could have adverse effects on vision.
The American Optometric Association issued a bulletin earlier this year stating that GLP-1 drugs have been associated with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition that causes sudden, painless vision loss.
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The association noted the condition is rare and is not advising patients to stop using GLP-1 medications. Instead, it is encouraging users to schedule eye exams to detect changes in vision.
GLP-1 drugs also have been linked to worsening diabetic retinopathy, exacerbating age-related macular degeneration and other optic nerve complications, the group said.
The association advised patients on GLP-1 medications to watch for the following symptoms:
- Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
- Missing or dark areas in vision, especially in the upper or lower half
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Changes in color vision, such as colors appearing faded or washed out
Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 drugs have since been approved for obesity treatment. In addition to helping people with diabetes control symptoms, drugmakers say GLP-1 medicines improve cardiometabolic markers in both diabetic and non-diabetic patients with obesity.
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With more Americans taking GLP-1 medications, optometrists say cases of these rare vision conditions have become more common.
