Overview

• An observational study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that diabetic patients on GLP-1 agonists experienced twice the incidence of neovascular age-related macular degeneration over one year, with absolute rates rising to 0.2 percent from 0.1 percent in nonusers.
• Participants aged over 66 or with a history of stroke faced even higher odds of developing neovascular AMD while taking these medications.
• The European Medicines Agency’s safety committee determined semaglutide carries a twofold increase in risk for nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and ordered a very rare side-effect warning be added to product labels.
• Researchers speculate that GLP-1 receptor activation in retinal tissues may trigger abnormal blood vessel growth, though definitive mechanisms remain under investigation.
• Clinicians and regulatory bodies emphasize that the metabolic and weight-loss benefits of GLP-1 agonists outweigh these low-probability vision risks, but advise routine monitoring and prompt evaluation of any visual changes.