19 May 2025 • A population-based study analyzing data from over 35 million reports globally found that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) were linked to a substantially higher risk of ocular events in individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Key Findings:

• Semaglutide was associated with higher odds of ischemic optic neuropathy (Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR): 11.12-68.58), diabetic retinopathy (ROR: 7.81-17.28), retinal or vitreous detachment, hemorrhage, and retinal tear (ROR: 2.44–5.89).
• Semaglutide also raised the risk of macular edema (ROR 3.87), macular hole (ROR 20.90), and papilledema (ROR 6.97) compared to metformin.
• Tirzepatide was significantly tied to diabetic retinopathy.
• Sensitivity analyses using metformin, empagliflozin, dulaglutide, and insulin as comparators confirmed these associations.

The findings underscore the need for robust eye monitoring and global safety surveillance during GLP-1 RA therapy.

Source: Science Direct | Read Full Story