‘If you don’t stop it, you’ll go blind’ is a well-worn phrase used to warn against certain autoerotic activities. For as long as I can remember, it’s been used very much as a joke to amuse adolescent boys. But blindness is no laughing matter. And while there’s zero evidence any form of sexual activity leads to blindness, new research suggests Ozempic might.
That’s right, the drug that’s changing the lives of many through its ability to assist with weight loss has been linked with a blinding eye condition. Usually referred to by its brand names Ozempic or Wagovy, the drug at the centre is officially known as semaglutide.
So, what’s going on here? Why is it that a drug that has already delivered health benefits to many increases the risk of blindness?
The Ozempic gains – are they outweighed by the risk?
Firstly, it’s important to note that Ozempic’s potential risk isn’t one of random cases of blindness. Rather, the use of semaglutide may be associated with a condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or simply NAION.
NAION is indeed a form of blindness. In fact it’s the second most common cause of optic nerve blindness, behind glaucoma. It’s also important to note that it’s a pretty rare condition, afflicting only 1 in 10,000 of the general population.
That’s according to Mass Eye and Ear, the vision and hearing research centre at Massachusetts General Hospital. It was Mass Eye and Ear that carried out the new study on the risks posed by semaglutide.
What they found was an apparent increase in risk of a NAION diagnosis in those prescribed with Ozempic.
Interestingly, they found that the magnitude of risk was dependent on the patient’s previous diagnosis. Those with diabetes were more than four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION. However, those who were overweight or had obesity were more than seven times more likely to get the diagnosis.
Correlation is not causation
The authors of the study made it clear that while it established an increased risk, it did not identify causes. Nor was it designed to, the authors said. “The design of our study did not enable query into a causal relationship between the two,” said the authors.
To establish that cause would require “a much larger, retrospective, multicentre population-based cohort study; a prospective, randomised clinical study; or a postmarket analysis of all [diabetes and weight loss] drugs”.
Should Ozempic users be worried?
Although the phrases ‘four times more likely’ and ‘seven times more likely’ sound dramatic, the context is important. In the case of NAION, its incidence is rare, and could probably be described as such in elevated terms. The risk goes from 1 in 10,000 to 4 in 10,000 or 7 in 10,000.
Dr Joseph Rizzo, who led the study, said: “It is important to appreciate … that the increased risk relates to a disorder that is relatively uncommon.”
However, the popularity of Ozempic did warrant a closer look at any potential downsides, Dr Rizzo said. “The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialised countries, and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways. But future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk.”
In short, we need to be aware but not alarmed. There is a potential increase in the risk of NAION associated with Ozempic. However, there are also health risks associated with the conditions the drug helps to manage.
Balancing those risks is the key, and that’s a job best left to health professionals. As always, your GP is a good starting point.
Have you been prescribed Ozempic? Were you aware of any associated risks? Let us know via the comments section below.
Also read: Ozempic effective at preventing heart attacks, data shows
Health disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
