From the Guidelines
There is no direct relationship between GLP-1 medications and vision loss, but patients with diabetes who use these medications should be aware of the risk of diabetic retinopathy and maintain regular eye exams. The primary concern with vision loss in patients taking GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and liraglutide, is the underlying condition of diabetes itself, which increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness in adults aged 20-74 years 1. According to the American Diabetes Association's 2025 standards of care, implementing strategies to achieve glycemic goals can reduce the risk or slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy, which is a highly specific neurovascular complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes 1.
Key factors that increase the risk of retinopathy include chronic hyperglycemia, nephropathy, hypertension, and dyslipidemia 1. While GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment has been shown to be effective in improving glycemic management, a meta-analysis found no direct association between GLP-1 RA treatment and retinopathy, except through the association between retinopathy and average A1C reduction 1.
It is essential for patients taking GLP-1 medications to work closely with their healthcare provider to manage their diabetes and undergo regular eye exams to monitor for any potential vision problems. If patients experience any changes in vision, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately. The use of GLP-1 medications, such as liraglutide, semaglutide, and dulaglutide, has been shown to be effective in achieving near-normoglycemia and potentially improving self-reported visual function 1.
In terms of the gastric lavage procedure (GLP), it is a medical procedure used to empty the contents of the stomach in cases of poisoning or overdose and has no direct impact on vision. The focus for patients with diabetes should be on managing their condition and maintaining regular eye exams to reduce the risk of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy.
From the FDA Drug Label
• Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: Has been reported in a clinical trial. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored (5.3).
The relationship between GLP (Glucagon-like peptide) and vision loss is related to diabetic retinopathy complications. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored when using semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist 2.
From the Research
Relationship Between GLP and Vision Loss
The relationship between GLP (Glucagon-like peptide) and vision loss is a complex one, with various studies suggesting different effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on diabetic retinopathy and vision loss.
- Protective Effects: Some studies suggest that GLP-1 receptor agonists may have a protective effect on the retina, potentially reducing the risk of vision loss. For example, a study published in 2018 found that GLP-1RA could inhibit nerve damage and protect the retina from blood-retinal barrier damage 3.
- Retinoprotective Potential: Another study published in 2022 found that GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors have a proven effect in reducing risk factors of diabetic retinopathy and may have retinoprotective potential 4.
- Prevention of Retinal Neurodegeneration: A study published in 2016 found that topical administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists can prevent retinal neurodegeneration in experimental diabetes, suggesting a potential new approach in the treatment of early stages of diabetic retinopathy 5.
- Exacerbating Diabetic Retinopathy: However, a study published in 2023 found that GLP-1 receptor agonists may exacerbate diabetic retinopathy in some cases, particularly with certain medications such as semaglutide 6.
- Incidence of Glaucoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2025 found that GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with reduced glaucoma development, but the overall interpretation should be cautious due to moderate bias concerns and the need for further studies 7.
Key Findings
- GLP-1 receptor agonists may have a protective effect on the retina and reduce the risk of vision loss.
- The retinoprotective potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors may make them a new therapeutic option for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
- Topical administration of GLP-1 receptor agonists may prevent retinal neurodegeneration in experimental diabetes.
- Certain GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide, may exacerbate diabetic retinopathy in some cases.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist use is associated with reduced glaucoma development, but further studies are needed to validate these findings.