Health experts are investigating whether popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro could be linked to sudden blindness in some patients.
A recent report in JAMA Ophthalmology detailed nine cases of U.S. patients who lost their sight after using drugs containing semaglutide or tirzepatide, the active ingredients in these medications. While researchers cannot confirm the drugs directly caused blindness, they say the findings warrant further study.
Cases of Sudden Vision Loss
One woman in her 50s lost sight in her left eye just one day after her first semaglutide injection for diabetes. Frightened, she stopped the drug for two months, but when she resumed treatment, she went blind in her right eye, too.
Another woman, who had taken semaglutide for a year, awoke with a dark shadow over her left eye. Doctors found damage to retinal blood vessels, leading to blindness.
A man in his 60s who was using semaglutide for 10 months noticed the vision in his right eye was getting blurry. Tests showed optic nerve swelling and bleeding in his retina. Though his symptoms improved within weeks, he eventually lost vision in his left eye. His sight returned after he stopped taking the drug for 10 weeks.
A woman in her 30s experienced swelling of the optic nerves and hemorrhages in both eyes, occurring three months after she started taking semaglutide.
🚨OZEMPIC USERS REPORT SUDDEN BLINDNESS IN ALARMING NEW STUDY
Nine U.S. patients suffered vision loss after taking weight loss drugs Ozempic and Mounjaro.
One patient went blind in both eyes within weeks of starting treatment.
Doctors link the issue to blood vessel damage… pic.twitter.com/ZQBXx3i1H8
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) February 11, 2025
Possible link to NAION
Researchers found that seven of the nine cases involved nonarteritic ischemic anterior optic neuropathy (NAION), where blood flow to the optic nerve becomes blocked.
The optic nerve transmits visual signals from the retina to the brain, and sudden vision loss can occur when it is deprived of oxygen.
NAION affects approximately 6,000 Americans annually and is more common in individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea, as these conditions can weaken blood vessels.
Experts suspect that semaglutide and similar drugs may lower blood sugar levels too quickly, potentially harming blood vessels in the eye.
Health officials investigating the potential link
Denmark’s health authorities, where Ozempic-maker Novo Nordisk is based, are launching an investigation into potential links between semaglutide and vision loss.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology issued a warning last year (2024) urging patients who experience vision loss while taking semaglutide to stop the drug and contact a doctor. However, the organization did not recommend against using the medication entirely.
Side effects and warnings
Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are popular, with approximately 15 million Americans—or 6% of the population—reporting that they use some form of injectable weight loss medication.
These drugs have been praised for their effectiveness; however, reports of unexpected side effects have emerged.
I see a lot of talk about using Ozempic for weight-loss.
I recommend you read the FDA black box warning before diving into what is being portrayed as the "the easy way out of obsesity"
And remember – if you use drugs to lose weight, your soul still remains fat. pic.twitter.com/fOmYK2xqjT
— ideahazard💹🧲 (@1d34h4z4rd) March 1, 2023
The FDA’s black box warning for Ozempic states it may increase the risk of thyroid tumors. Other warnings mention the potential for stomach paralysis, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and malnutrition.
Some patients have also reported suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, and hair loss while taking the medication.
Next steps
Researchers emphasize that their findings only suggest a correlation, not proof of causation. They say more studies are needed to determine whether these weight loss drugs directly contribute to vision problems.
For now, health officials recommend that patients on these medications should promptly seek medical attention if they notice sudden vision changes.
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