Recently, a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology pointed out that GLP-1 drugs (such as Ozempic and Wegovy) may be associated with an increased risk of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A research team from the University of Toronto found that type 2 diabetic patients taking GLP-1 drugs have more than twice the risk of developing wet AMD as those who do not take them, and the longer the medication duration, the higher the risk. Wet AMD is an aggressive eye disease that can lead to irreversible vision loss and is one of the main causes of blindness among the elderly in the United States.
The risk for long-term drug users has significantly increased
The study analyzed the health data of nearly 140,000 patients with type 2 diabetes in Ontario, Canada, among whom approximately 46,000 were taking GLP-1 drugs (mainly semaglutide) for a long time. The results showed that after 18 months of medication, the risk of wet AMD in patients began to increase significantly; For those who take the medicine for more than 30 months, the risk increases by more than three times. However, the absolute risk remains relatively low – 0.2% for the medication group and 0.1% for the non-medication group. The study authors emphasized that this dose-response relationship might imply biological effects, but the causal relationship needs to be further verified.
The Controversy of GLP-1 Drugs and Eye Health
GLP-1 drugs have gained wide popularity in recent years for weight loss, blood sugar control and cardiovascular benefits, but their impact on eye health remains controversial. Previous studies have suggested that it might be related to the deterioration of diabetic retinopathy and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), but the conclusions have been inconsistent. Some scholars speculate that the rapid hypoglycemic effect of GLP-1 drugs may lead to retinal hypoxia and subsequently induce abnormal vascular growth – this is precisely the core pathological mechanism of wet AMD.
Experts suggest that high-risk groups should be closely monitored
Although the risks need to be taken seriously, experts point out that the overall benefits of GLP-1 drugs still cannot be ignored. Linda Lam, an ophthalmologist from the University of Southern California, suggests that elderly diabetic patients should be cautious when using such drugs for a long time and undergo regular eye examinations. She emphasized that early detection of symptoms (such as distorted vision and decreased central vision) is crucial for the prevention and treatment of severe vision impairment.
Researchers are calling on doctors and patients to weigh the metabolic benefits of GLP-1 drugs against the potential ocular risks, especially for high-risk populations. More prospective studies are needed in the future to clarify the mechanism and provide a basis for clinical decision-making. At present, regular ophthalmic monitoring and personalized medication remain key strategies.
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