Can Wegovy or Ozempic Cause Blindness?

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Ozempic and Wegovy Linked to Rare Blindness Condition: What You Need to Know

Recently published in the JAMA Ophthalmology journal, the study by Hathaway and colleagues found an association between semaglutide and Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION). This retrospective, matched cohort study analyzed existing data, comparing individuals exposed to semaglutide for diabetes or obesity management with those who were not. Participants were matched based on characteristics like age, sex, and medical conditions to ensure comparability, then checked for NAION development. 

Key findings revealed that patients with type 2 diabetes on semaglutide had a 4.28 times greater risk of developing NAION compared to those not on the drug, while patients with obesity had a 7.64 times greater risk. 

The study was well-conducted for an observational study, with efforts to match individuals and account for confounding factors. However, it had limitations. The observational nature shows an association but does not prove causation. The confidence intervals are broad, meaning there’s significant uncertainty in the actual risk. NAION is rare, with 2-10 cases per 100,000 people annually. Its development mechanisms are not well understood, though it may be linked to poor blood flow and conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea. The study did not control for the severity of diabetes or obesity, which could influence the risk of NAION. Sicker patients are more likely to be prescribed semaglutide, possibly skewing the results. 

So, are you going to go blind by taking semaglutide? Likely not. While the study is noteworthy, many questions remain unanswered, and more data is needed. Robust randomized controlled trials have not shown this side effect.

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References  
Hathaway JT, Shah MP, Hathaway DB, et al. Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide. JAMA Ophthalmol. Published online July 03, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.2296

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Watch my previous videos to learn how to fight obesity and about the best medicine for weight loss: 
▪️ Watch This Before Taking Mounjaro  
▪️ From Ozempic to Mounjaro 
▪️ Muscle Loss with Ozempic, Wegovy & Mounjaro 
▪️ Managing Nausea from Ozempic, Wegovy and Trulicity!  
▪️ Ozempic: Stomach Paralysis Update  
▪️ How to Switch from Ozempic (or Wegovy) to Mounjaro  
▪️ Ozempic Paralyzed My Stomach 
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