Eye Problems Associated With Ozempic

Eye Problems Associated With Ozempic

People with diabetes who take Ozempic are at risk of developing not only diabetic retinopathy but also cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye. Some eye symptoms, such as dry eyes, might be caused by both an underlying health issue and a pharmacological side effect, such as semaglutide-induced dehydration.

Studies on the effects of Ozempic have discovered that it can affect the eyes in a variety of ways, and it can even lead you to a macular degeneration specialist.

1. Diabetic Retinopathy

People with diabetes are at risk for a variety of diabetic eye issues. According to certain research, using Ozempic may cause a small number of people to develop worsening problems from diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy can develop when there is too much sugar in the blood. High blood sugar levels can harm the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer in the rear of the eye.

The advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy is caused by retinal neovascularization, which is the formation of new and aberrant blood vessels in the retina that can leak fluids and blood. Symptoms include hazy or twisted vision, visual loss, and new floaters. Not all floaters are cause for concern, but consult your eye specialist if you detect a sudden onset of floaters or other visual problems.

Researchers aren't sure why Ozempic can exacerbate diabetic retinopathy problems. They are currently investigating the impact of semaglutide on persons suffering from diabetes-related retinal problems. The majority of people who take Ozempic are unaffected by this. However, if you are taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you should notify your eye doctor.

2. Blurred Vision

People with diabetes may experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels, resulting in blurred vision. This is because variations in blood sugar can affect how puffy the lens of the eye becomes, altering its overall shape. The shape of the lens is critical for clear vision; therefore, as the lens swells, blurred vision might occur.

Semaglutide changes blood sugar levels, which affects the lens shape, one of the drug's side effects is blurred vision, especially upon starting the medicine. Older people are more prone to experience fuzzy vision as a result of the lens being less flexible as we age.

After three or four months, blood sugar levels should stabilize, and the blurred vision caused by Ozempic and other comparable drugs should disappear. 

3. Macular Complications

Although uncommon, retinal edema has been recorded when taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide. The macula is the retina's center region, and it is responsible for fine-detail vision. Macular edema is the swelling of the macula caused by leaking blood vessels, which causes blurred vision.

Although a variety of illnesses can induce macular edema, diabetic retinopathy is the most frequent. Doctors are unsure why medications like Ozempic exacerbate diabetic retinopathy problems such as macular edema. Research is underway to understand better why this occurs.

Research suggests that GLP-1R agonists, such as Rybelsus and Trulicity, may help prevent glaucoma in diabetic people. These findings are being investigated further through more investigations.

When Should I See an Eye Doctor?

If you are taking Ozempic or any other semaglutide, the most essential thing you can do to keep your eyes healthy is to go to all of your eye and medical visits and report any new symptoms to your doctor.

Semaglutide can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels and lose weight successfully. However, according to certain research, these drugs can impact eye health. If you have diabetic retinopathy and use a semaglutide such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, you should notify your eye doctor. Follow your eye doctor's guidelines for how closely you should be watched.

Some adverse effects, such as hazy vision, are prevalent in the first few months after starting these medications. If you detect a sudden beginning of hazy vision, twisted vision, or flashes and floaters, contact your doctor immediately.

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