Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and vision: what you need to know about eye health and semaglutide medications
If you’re using Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, or other semaglutide-based medications, you may have seen recent headlines linking them to vision problems, including rare cases of optic nerve damage and worsening diabetic retinopathy. While these reports have understandably caused concern, the good news is that the absolute risk remains low—and there are proactive steps you can take to protect your sight. Approximately ½ million people are currently using semaglutide-based medications in the UK, and although the risks of eye complications are low, the headlines and news stories understandably cause concern.
BBC News
People prescribed semaglutide, sold as Ozempic and Wegovy, to lose weight, may have a higher risk of developing a serious but rare eye condition, a study suggests.
(3/7/24)
CNBC
The weekly injections may, in very rare cases, cause a serious eye condition that can lead to vision loss, the European Medicines Agency’s safety committee said Friday. It’s the first time a regulator has confirmed the side effect following previous studies. (11/6/25)
The Guardian
Weight loss drugs linked to higher risk of eye damage in diabetic patients
Study finds medicines such as Ozempic are associated with a greater risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (5/6/25)
What’s the risk?
Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. These are highly effective for managing type 2 diabetes and supporting weight loss. However, recent evidence has identified a very rare side effect damaging the optic nerve called non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). According to the European Medicines Agency, this affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people per year—a very low risk. Other concerns include the potential for worsening diabetic retinopathy if blood sugar levels drop too quickly and an increase in risk of macula degeneration in people aged over 65. This was highlighted in clinical trials such as SUSTAIN-6 and supported by real-world data.
| Ocular Condition | Estimated Annual Risk | Relative Risk vs. Control | Research paper |
| Optic nerve damage. Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) | ~0.01% (1/10,000 PY) | ~2× higher | Very rare; regulatory concern ( European Medicines Agency (EMA), American Academy of Ophthalmology |
| Diabetic retinopathy progression | ~5–10% per year | ≈↑ 20–30% | Observed in SUSTAIN-6; risks scale with baseline DR (PubMed Central) |
| Wet macular degeneration (age ≥ 65) | ~0.2% per year | 2× higher | JAMA research |
Why a comprehensive eye examination matters
As the risk of these complications is so low, there is no national requirement for visual screening; however, many people appreciate the peace of mind that comes with long-term use of semaglutide. If you’re taking semaglutide—or considering starting it—a comprehensive eye examination including optical coherence tomography (OCT) can give you peace of mind. OCT provides a high-resolution scan of the retina and optic nerve, which, when combined with other investigations, allows for the early detection of many eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and optic nerve issues, including non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
Early detection means timely treatment and better outcomes. Especially if you already have diabetes or other risk factors, a baseline eye health check is strongly recommended.
Reassurance and proactive care
It’s essential to remember that, although the relative risk may be slightly increased with these medications, the absolute risk remains low. (If you double a tiny risk, it still is a very low risk.) For most people, the health benefits of semaglutide far outweigh the risks to their eyes and vision.
If you’re looking for reassurance to continue using semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), I offer comprehensive, all-inclusive eye examinations in central London, using advanced diagnostic imaging and a full assessment of your vision and ocular health. This includes time to assess for any semaglutide-related eye complications, giving you peace of mind whilst enjoying the benefits of the medication.
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