Weight loss injections, utilized by countless individuals striving to shed pounds, have been linked to an increased risk of a serious eye ailment that could result in lasting vision impairment, as per recent studies.

Semaglutide—the active compound in popular medications like Wegovy and Ozempic—has garnered recognition as a transformative advancement in addressing obesity and managing type 2 diabetes.

However, research conducted by American physicians monitoring over 37 million people indicates that these injections may elevate the risk of developing nonarteritic ischemic anterior optic neuropathy (NAION).

NAION, commonly referred to as an ‘eye stroke’, occurs when the blood vessels supplying the optic nerve become obstructed, thereby depriving the nerve of oxygen and potentially causing partial or complete nerve damage.

Despite this association, experts emphasize that the overall likelihood of developing NAION while using these injections remains relatively low.

The medical professionals involved call for further investigations to elucidate the connection and express uncertainty regarding why these medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, could instigate this condition.

In a related study released last month, nine cases of U.S. patients experiencing blindness were reported after administering semaglutide or tirzepatide, another well-known weight loss injection branded as Mounjaro.

American physicians say injections may increase the risk of nonarteritic ischemic anterior optic neuropathy (NAION).

NAION happens when blood vessels supplying the optic nerve are blocked.

Earlier discussions indicated that although the precise cause remains ambiguous, the rapid reduction in blood sugar levels prompted by the drug could lead to damage in the eye’s blood vessels.

This damage may result from sudden pressure changes that cause fluid leakage from fragile retinal blood vessels, leading to swelling and injury.

It is estimated that approximately 500,000 individuals in the UK and around 15 million in the United States are currently utilizing these weight loss injections, with potential weight reductions of up to 20% in just months.

In their investigation, researchers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, found that out of 37 million adults, 166,932 were on diabetes medications, including semaglutide.

In a publication within the journal JAMA Ophthalmology, researchers noted: ‘We observed a higher risk of NAION associated with exposure to semaglutide compared to non-exposure.’

They further identified an ‘increased risk’ for those using semaglutide compared to persons on non-GLP-1 medications such as empagliflozin and sitagliptin.

In light of the lack of a clear mechanism explaining this relationship, the researchers recommend that healthcare providers assess the potential risk of this rare yet potentially vision-threatening condition against the substantial benefits of semaglutide.

Currently, no treatments exist for NAION or an ‘eye stroke’, which affects approximately 1 in 10,000 people, and improvements in vision are often not observed.

Unlike other strokes caused by blood supply loss, NAION is not characterized by weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.

Individuals typically experience sudden vision loss in one eye, often without pain, with many first noticing issues upon waking.

A separate study published in the same journal last month indicated that these drugs might provoke severe vision problems, including NAION.

The authors suggested this is likely attributable to the swift decrease in blood sugar levels caused by the injections, which can damage ocular blood vessels rather than indicating the injections are ‘toxic’.

The report described several cases of adults, averaging 57 years old, who had taken either semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Seven of these individuals received a diagnosis of NAION, but most reported improvements in their vision within days or weeks after discontinuing the medications.

According to the findings, one woman in her 50s developed NAION the day following her first injection of semaglutide.

Upon waking the next morning, she experienced painful vision loss in her left eye.

Examinations revealed swelling in her optic nerve and damage to the retinal blood vessels.

She ceased using semaglutide and her insulin, and follow-up examinations confirmed her vision returned to normal within two months.

However, two weeks after resuming semaglutide for diabetes management, the vision loss reoccurred.

She was again diagnosed with significant optic nerve swelling, and her vision normalized seven months later; it remains uncertain if she discontinued semaglutide a second time.

Health regulators in Denmark, where Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk is located, are also currently investigating the potential links between semaglutide and vision impairment.

Like all medications, weight loss injections are associated with a range of side effects, which may vary in terms of occurrence and intensity.

Commonly reported issues include constipation, fatigue, abdominal pain, headaches, and dizziness, with rare complaints such as hair loss noted by some users.

Healthcare professionals have observed a rising number of slim women being hospitalized after falsely informing online pharmacies of being overweight to qualify for the medications.

Current guidelines stipulate that prescriptions for Wegovy should be reserved for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) exceeding 35 accompanied by at least one weight-related health condition, or those with a BMI of 30 to 34.9 deemed eligible for referral to specialized weight management services.

In the UK, legislation prohibits the sale of such medications without a medical professional’s prescription.

In December, advertising authorities warned companies and influencers to withdraw online and social media advertisements promoting prescription-only weight-loss medications directed at the general public.

This action followed a MailOnline investigation, which revealed that social media influencers were being encouraged to unlawfully endorse prescription weight loss injections to their vast follower bases.