FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — At first, GLP-1 medications were taken for diabetes control. But now, these drugs continue to explode in popularity for those seeking weight loss.
While patients can find success on GLP-1 medicines, it’s a weapon in demand for the battle against obesity.
GLP-1 medications can be highly effective for losing weight, and more and more patients are turning toward them.
“Because so many people have added this as a weight loss management treatment, we of course have seen more and more things come about as a result of taking it long term,” said Dr. Jacquie Bowen, president of the American Optometric Association.
Bowen says these are great medications, but patients should stay vigilant.
While it’s rare, she says doctors are seeing a small rise in something called ischemic optic neuropathy in people taking GLP-1 drugs.
It’s a condition where the blood supply to the optic nerve is lowered or cut off completely, leading to a loss of vision, usually in one eye.
“We also have been observing in diabetics and in patients who are at risk for wet macular degeneration that there’s an increased risk of retinopathy or bleeding or fluid retention on the retina when these medications are added to the routine,” Bowen said.
Before going on GLP-1 drugs, Bowen says to have a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist, then follow up about one month after starting the medicine and every year after that while on the medication.
She says to also watch out for red flags, including fuzzy vision in one eye, a smudge in the middle of your vision and diminished color vividness.
“Any sudden change, even if it doesn’t hurt and it’s not really messing up your day, do report that to your optometrist so we can get you in and take a look and make sure everything’s fine,” Bowen said.
Bowen says certain patients may be at higher risk of vision problems while taking GLP-1 medications, including those with diabetes or eye diseases. Sometimes it also comes down to optic nerve anatomy that leads to increased risk.
PEMBROKE PARK, Fla.
