GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, may potentially double the risk of developing eye-related problems or conditions.
New findings link GLP-1 medications to potential eye diseases in older adults
In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) have gained popularity for their ability to help manage type 2 diabetes and promote weight loss. However, recent research reveals a potential drawback for those using these medications: an increased risk of developing eye diseases.
According to a new study, published in the journal, older adults with diabetes who take any type of GLP-1 medication may have a heightened risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). This eye disease, characterized by malformed blood vessels growing underneath the retina and causing fluid leakage into the macula, can potentially lead to blindness.
Focusing on semaglutide
For this study, researchers analyzed health records from 2020 to 2023 of over 139,000 Ontario residents with an average age of 66 and a diagnosis of diabetes. Participants who used GLP-1 medications did so for more than six months. Rajeev H. Muni, MD MSc FRCSC, associate professor and vice chair of Clinical Research in the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences at the University of Toronto in Canada, and principal investigator of the study, explained the study's scope to Medical News Today:
"Our study included any GLP-1 receptor agonists that were prescribed during the study period in Ontario, Canada; we did not exclude any specific type of these medications. However, semaglutide represented the vast majority of use in our cohort, accounting for 97.5% of all GLP-1 prescriptions."
Semaglutide was the primary focus of the study due to its prevalent use, with the remaining 2.5% of prescriptions consisting of different GLPs. Tirzepatide was not included in the study as it wasn't approved in Canada during the study period.
Upon analysis, researchers found a doubling in risk for nAMD among patients with diabetes aged 66 and older who had used GLP-1 medications for at least six months. While the absolute risk remains low, this represents a significant relative increase.
" patients with diabetes aged 66 and older, the incidence of nAMD was approximately 1 in 1,000 in those who had never used GLP-1 receptor agonists, compared to about 2 in 1,000 among those who had been exposed to these medications for at least six months," Muni said.
Muni warns that while the findings should not alarm the public, they do signal the need for increased clinical awareness. "These medications have well-established benefits for cardiovascular, blood sugar management, and weight loss," he continued. "However, patients who may be at higher risk for nAMD, such as older adults, should be aware of the possibility of new visual symptoms. If any new changes in vision occur while taking these medications, patients should promptly inform their doctor and be referred to an ophthalmologist for further assessment."
The researchers also found that the highest nAMD risk was associated with participants who had used GLP-1 medications for the longest amount of time, indicating a dose-response relationship. The results suggest that the risk may accumulate over time, making long-term ocular safety an essential factor for further investigation.
While this research offers insight into the potential risks of GLP-1 medications, it is essential to remember that an association does not prove causation. Critical risk factors like smoking, obesity (BMI), and sun exposure were not accounted for in the data, making it challenging to isolate the true drivers of the observed risk.
"While our findings should not prompt alarm, they do warrant increased clinical awareness," said Muni. "Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and determine whether this association is causal or influenced by other factors."
In conclusion, the study provides evidence of an increased risk of nAMD in older adults using semaglutide, particularly with longer-term use. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms and to determine whether this association is causal or influenced by other factors. In the meantime, those taking GLP-1 medications, particularly older adults, should be aware of this potential risk and the importance of monitoring their eye health closely.
- The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) becoming popular for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss.
- A new study links GLP-1 medications to a potential increased risk of eye diseases, specifically neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), in older adults.
- This eye disease, characterized by malformed blood vessels growing underneath the retina, can potentially lead to blindness.
- Researchers analyzed health records of over 139,000 Ontario residents diagnosed with diabetes, finding a doubling in risk for nAMD among patients who used GLP-1 medications for at least six months.
- Semaglutide, which accounted for 97.5% of all GLP-1 prescriptions, was the primary focus of the study due to its prevalent use.
- Upon analysis, the researchers found that the highest nAMD risk was associated with participants who had used GLP-1 medications for the longest amount of time.
- While an association does not prove causation, the findings warrant increased clinical awareness, as GLP-1 medications have well-established benefits for cardiovascular, blood sugar management, and weight loss.
- Patients who may be at higher risk for nAMD, such as older adults, should be aware of the possibility of new visual symptoms and promptly inform their doctor if any changes in vision occur.
- The study offers insight into the potential risks of GLP-1 medications, but critical risk factors like smoking, obesity, and sun exposure were not accounted for in the data.
- Further research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms and determine whether the association is causal or influenced by other factors.
- An awareness of this potential risk and the importance of monitoring eye health closely is particularly important for those taking GLP-1 medications, especially older adults.
- The study underscores the need for workplace-wellness programs that promote health and wellness, such as fitness, nutrition, and mental health resources.
- These programs can help in managing chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, and autoimmune disorders while also addressing conditions like skin-conditions, sexual health, and men's health concerns.
- In light of the study's findings, it may be beneficial to explore alternative therapies and treatments, such as plant-based medicines like CBD, for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss in a way that minimizes the risk of developing eye diseases.
- As individuals age, it becomes increasingly important to prioritize health and wellness, including maintaining a healthy weight, managing medical conditions, taking care of digestive health, eye health, and skin care, to live a long, healthy, and independent life, even with conditions like Medicare coverage or parenting responsibilities.
