From the Guidelines
There is no evidence that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) causes blindness in patients with type 2 diabetes. In fact, by improving blood glucose control, Mounjaro may help reduce the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes complication that can lead to vision problems and potentially blindness if left untreated. Mounjaro is a GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication that helps lower blood sugar levels and can promote weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials of tirzepatide have not shown blindness as a side effect, as noted in various studies on diabetes management, including those published in Diabetes Care 1. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, particularly when starting the medication or increasing the dose. It's essential for all patients with diabetes, regardless of medication regimen, to have regular eye examinations to monitor for and treat any early signs of diabetic retinopathy, as recommended by guidelines for diabetes care 1. If you experience any vision changes while taking Mounjaro, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately, but this would likely be related to underlying diabetes rather than a direct effect of the medication. Key factors that increase the risk of retinopathy include chronic hyperglycemia, nephropathy, and hypertension, emphasizing the importance of intensive diabetes management to prevent and/or delay the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy 1. Given the potential benefits of Mounjaro in improving glycemic control and the lack of evidence linking it to blindness, the use of Mounjaro in patients with type 2 diabetes is not expected to cause blindness. Instead, it may contribute to reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy when used as part of a comprehensive diabetes management plan that includes regular eye examinations and timely treatment of any retinopathy that may develop.
From the Research
Mounjaro and Blindness
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that suggests Mounjaro (tirzepatide) causes blindness in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in improving glycaemic control and weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes, as well as its potential use in managing other conditions such as heart failure and obesity.
- Common adverse events associated with tirzepatide include gastrointestinal events like nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting, but there is no mention of blindness or vision-related issues 2, 3, 4.
Safety Profile of Mounjaro
- Tirzepatide has been shown to have a safety profile consistent with that of GLP-1 receptor agonists, with a low risk of clinically significant or severe hypoglycaemia and no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events 2, 4.
- The most common adverse events associated with tirzepatide are mild to moderate in severity and are related to gastrointestinal effects 2, 3, 4.
- There is no evidence to suggest that Mounjaro causes blindness or any other vision-related problems in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.