New blindness cases link popular weight loss injections to vision risk
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In recent years, weight loss injections like Ozempic and Wegovy have become household names, especially among Australians seeking to manage type 2 diabetes or shed stubborn kilos.
But as their popularity soars, so too do concerns about their safety—particularly when it comes to your eyesight.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s medicine watchdog, has received more than 40 reports of eye disorders potentially linked to these medications since December 2020.
Most concerningly, at least ten cases involved sudden blindness or significant vision loss.
Eight of these were outright complaints of blindness, while two others described sudden loss of sight in one eye.
These reports have sparked alarm among both patients and health professionals, especially as many users are reluctant to stop the injections for fear of regaining lost weight.
The active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide, a medication originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s now widely prescribed 'off-label' for weight loss—even though it’s not officially approved for that purpose in Australia.
Recent research, including a study published in the respected JAMA Ophthalmology journal, suggests a possible connection between semaglutide and a rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), sometimes referred to as an 'eye stroke.'
This condition occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, causing swelling, damage, and in some cases, permanent vision loss.
One particularly striking case involved a woman in her 50s who temporarily lost vision in one eye just a day after her first semaglutide injection.
Her sight returned after stopping the medication, but when she resumed treatment, she lost vision in the other eye.
Many users have taken to social media to share their experiences.
One Wegovy user described persistent eye soreness and blurry vision upon waking, saying, 'I don’t want to come off Wegovy. I don’t want to put the weight back on.'
Another recounted regaining weight after stopping their medication due to side effects, highlighting the difficult trade-offs many face.
Of the 40+ eye-related complaints, 19 were from Ozempic users, two from Wegovy, and the rest from people using similar drugs under different names.
The TGA is taking these reports seriously and is investigating and reviewing Australian and international data.
They’ve acknowledged the JAMA Ophthalmology report and are working to determine whether there’s a direct link between semaglutide and these eye conditions.
It’s important to note that people with diabetes are already at higher risk for certain eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.
This makes it even more crucial for anyone on these medications to monitor their eye health closely.
Dr Gary Deed, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ diabetes interest network, stresses the importance of regular, face-to-face check-ups with your GP if you take GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy.
'While online services have made it easier to access these medications, there’s no substitute for a GP who knows your history and can monitor for side effects,' Dr Deed says.
'If you notice any changes in your vision, inform your doctor immediately.'
If you’re using these medications, there’s no need to panic, but it’s important to stay alert.
Treat any sudden changes in vision—such as blurriness, pain, or loss of sight—as a medical emergency. Make sure to keep your GP informed and attend regular check-ups, especially if you have diabetes or other risk factors for eye disease.
Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor and the TGA to help track potential risks.
Most importantly, never stop your medication without first consulting your doctor.
For many, Ozempic and Wegovy have been life-changing, helping to manage blood sugar and achieve significant weight loss.
But as with any medication, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks—and to make decisions in partnership with a trusted healthcare professional.
As always, the Seniors Discount Club is here to keep you up to date on the latest health news affecting over-60s Australians.
If you have concerns about your medications, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or pharmacist. And remember: your health and well-being come first!
Credit: YouTube
Have you noticed any changes in your vision or other unexpected side effects? How do you balance the benefits and risks of these medications? Share your story in the comments below—your experience could help others make informed decisions.
But as their popularity soars, so too do concerns about their safety—particularly when it comes to your eyesight.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia’s medicine watchdog, has received more than 40 reports of eye disorders potentially linked to these medications since December 2020.
Most concerningly, at least ten cases involved sudden blindness or significant vision loss.
Over 40 cases of eye disorders, including ten of blindness, have been reported to the TGA by Australians using Ozempic and Wegovy. Credit: YouTube
Eight of these were outright complaints of blindness, while two others described sudden loss of sight in one eye.
These reports have sparked alarm among both patients and health professionals, especially as many users are reluctant to stop the injections for fear of regaining lost weight.
The active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide, a medication originally developed to help manage type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s now widely prescribed 'off-label' for weight loss—even though it’s not officially approved for that purpose in Australia.
Recent research, including a study published in the respected JAMA Ophthalmology journal, suggests a possible connection between semaglutide and a rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), sometimes referred to as an 'eye stroke.'
This condition occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, causing swelling, damage, and in some cases, permanent vision loss.
One particularly striking case involved a woman in her 50s who temporarily lost vision in one eye just a day after her first semaglutide injection.
Her sight returned after stopping the medication, but when she resumed treatment, she lost vision in the other eye.
Many users have taken to social media to share their experiences.
One Wegovy user described persistent eye soreness and blurry vision upon waking, saying, 'I don’t want to come off Wegovy. I don’t want to put the weight back on.'
Another recounted regaining weight after stopping their medication due to side effects, highlighting the difficult trade-offs many face.
Of the 40+ eye-related complaints, 19 were from Ozempic users, two from Wegovy, and the rest from people using similar drugs under different names.
The TGA is taking these reports seriously and is investigating and reviewing Australian and international data.
They’ve acknowledged the JAMA Ophthalmology report and are working to determine whether there’s a direct link between semaglutide and these eye conditions.
It’s important to note that people with diabetes are already at higher risk for certain eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema.
Dr Gary Deed, chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners’ diabetes interest network, stresses the importance of regular, face-to-face check-ups with your GP if you take GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic or Wegovy.
'While online services have made it easier to access these medications, there’s no substitute for a GP who knows your history and can monitor for side effects,' Dr Deed says.
'If you notice any changes in your vision, inform your doctor immediately.'
If you’re using these medications, there’s no need to panic, but it’s important to stay alert.
Treat any sudden changes in vision—such as blurriness, pain, or loss of sight—as a medical emergency. Make sure to keep your GP informed and attend regular check-ups, especially if you have diabetes or other risk factors for eye disease.
Most importantly, never stop your medication without first consulting your doctor.
For many, Ozempic and Wegovy have been life-changing, helping to manage blood sugar and achieve significant weight loss.
But as with any medication, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks—and to make decisions in partnership with a trusted healthcare professional.
As always, the Seniors Discount Club is here to keep you up to date on the latest health news affecting over-60s Australians.
If you have concerns about your medications, don’t hesitate to reach out to your GP or pharmacist. And remember: your health and well-being come first!
Credit: YouTube
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