From the Research
There is no established link between semaglutide and blindness, as confirmed by the most recent and highest quality study available 1. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss. While some patients may experience mild visual disturbances like blurred vision as a rare side effect, permanent vision loss or blindness has not been identified as a known complication of semaglutide therapy. However, diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to vision problems including blindness, is associated with diabetes itself rather than semaglutide treatment. In fact, improved blood sugar control from medications like semaglutide may help reduce the risk of diabetic eye complications over time, as suggested by studies on the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes 2, 3. If you're taking semaglutide and experiencing any vision changes, contact your healthcare provider immediately for evaluation. Regular eye exams are recommended for all people with diabetes regardless of medication regimen. Rapid weight loss from any cause, including semaglutide therapy, might temporarily worsen existing diabetic retinopathy in some cases, so monitoring is important during treatment. Key points to consider include:
- Semaglutide's efficacy in improving glycemic control and weight loss 2, 4
- The potential risks and benefits of semaglutide therapy, including gastrointestinal side effects and the risk of biliary disease 1, 3
- The importance of monitoring for diabetic retinopathy and other complications in patients with diabetes, regardless of treatment regimen 3