Key points from article :
A large Canadian study has linked the use of weight loss and diabetes drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) to a significantly increased risk of a serious eye condition in older diabetic patients. Published in JAMA Ophthalmology, the research was led by scientists at the University of Toronto, including co-author Dr. Marko Popovic. It analysed data from over 1 million Ontario residents with diabetes and found that patients using GLP-1 RAs—mainly semaglutide (Ozempic) and lixisenatide—had at least double the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to non-users.
The risk increased with prolonged use: those on the medication for more than 30 months had more than triple the risk. Older patients and those with a history of stroke were especially vulnerable. Although these medications are praised for their benefits in treating obesity and diabetes, the findings raise concerns about potential unintended effects on eye health, particularly in populations already at risk.
An editorial accompanying the study, written by Dr. Brian VanderBeek of the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the broader implications: even a relatively rare side effect could affect a large number of people given the widespread use of these drugs. While manufacturers like Novo Nordisk maintain that clinical trials have not shown a causal link to AMD, regulators such as the UK's MHRA say they are monitoring the situation closely. Experts urge caution, especially when prescribing GLP-1 RAs to older diabetic patients, until more research clarifies the risks.
