New research indicates that semaglutide, a widely prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes and weight management, may be associated with an increased risk of optic neuropathy. This condition, known as nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), can lead to sudden and potentially permanent vision loss.
A study involving over 100,000 US veterans with type 2 diabetes found that individuals initiating semaglutide showed a significantly higher incidence of NAION compared to those taking other diabetes medications. The risk was more than double for semaglutide users, although the absolute risk remains low.
While semaglutide offers proven cardiometabolic benefits, these findings underscore the importance of thorough patient counseling. Clinicians are advised to inform patients about this rare but serious potential side effect and to promptly evaluate any visual disturbances. Further research is underway to confirm causality and identify at-risk patient groups.