Are GLP-1s causing blindness? What we know about rare cases

7:08 PM ETDeveloping

Health Desk

In Short: A series of complaints link GLP-1 drugs to a rare eye condition that can cause blindness.

Number-of-people-with-blindness-due-to-each-cause — Photo: OWID / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

A series of complaints filed within the last year have linked GLP-1 drugs to a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause rapid vision changes and loss leading to blindness.

Some GLP-1 users believe they have identified a potential cause of NAION through their use of these medications.

The condition is rare, and the complaints suggest a possible link between GLP-1 drugs and NAION, though further investigation is needed to confirm this connection.

Health experts advise caution and consultation with a healthcare provider if users experience sudden vision changes while taking GLP-1 drugs.

What's still developing

The rare disorder usually occurs in people over the age of 50 and its causes aren't entirely understood, but some GLP-1 users believe they have found one source.
The condition is more common in people over 50, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and is rare.

Sources

USA Todaylink