Research conducted at the University of Utah's John A. Moran Eye Center explored potential vision complications in patients using semaglutide and tirzepatide, commonly prescribed weight-loss drugs. The review of nine cases suggests that rapid alterations in blood sugar levels might contribute to conditions affecting the optic nerve rather than direct drug toxicity. Published in JAMA Ophthalmology, the study underscores the need for further research to substantiate these preliminary findings and guide future clinical practice.
Researchers at the University of Utah have published a review focusing on a series of cases where significant eye complications were observed in patients administered with semaglutide and tirzepatide. These medications are primarily used to manage diabetes and aid weight loss.
"This review was not conducted in any way that we can say these drugs caused the complications," said lead author Bradley Katz, highlighting the non-causal but concerning nature of the findings.
The study postulates that it is not the drugs themselves exerting a toxic effect, but rather the rapid fluctuations in blood glucose levels that might be contributing to these ocular complications.
Katz suggested that "physicians prescribing this medication should consider a drug regimen that more gradually lowers HbA1C level," indicating a potential strategy to mitigate risks.
By adjusting the rate of glucose alteration, healthcare professionals might be able to minimize the risk of eye-related complications in susceptible patients.
This underscores the need for healthcare providers to monitor patients closely, especially those with pre-existing eye conditions, ensuring that potential complications are promptly addressed.
The review calls for more extensive studies to confirm the initial findings and understand the risk mechanisms better. It serves as a preliminary alert to the medical community to exercise caution.
Continuous patient monitoring and adaptive treatment regimens may need to be developed in response to future research outcomes, ensuring both effective diabetes management and ocular health.
Katz, B. J., Lee, M. S., Lincoff, N. S., Abel, A. S., Chowdhary, S., Ellis, B. D., Najafi, A., Nguyen, J., Seay, M. D., & Warner, J. E. A. (2025). Ophthalmic Complications Associated With the Antidiabetic Drugs Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. JAMA Ophthalmology, 143(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.6058