Semaglutide was linked to a higher risk of a rare eye condition, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, compared to another class of diabetes drugs.
The study, published Feb. 12 in JAMA Ophthalmology, examined 102,361 veterans, including 11,478 who initiated semaglutide and 90,883 who initiated an SGLT2 inhibitor. Over a median follow-up of 2.1 years, semaglutide initiation was associated with a 2.33-fold higher risk of the condition.
Researchers identified 173 incident cases over a maximum follow-up period of 7.5 years. The incidence rate was 123 per 100,000 person-years among semaglutide users and 67 per 100,000 among those taking SGLT2 inhibitors.
The findings add to a growing body of research linking GLP-1 drugs to eye-related risks. A 2025 JAMA Ophthalmology study found a more than twofold increased risk of age-related macular degeneration among GLP-1 users, while other research has reported higher rates of optic nerve-related vision loss among semaglutide users.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
