The use of GLP-1 drugs in people with diabetes has been associated with a low but elevated risk of developing age-related eye diseases, according to a recent observational study. The research, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, found that individuals taking GLP-1 drugs were more than twice as likely to develop neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to those not taking the medications.
AMD is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in older individuals, with neovascular AMD being a more advanced form characterized by abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula. The study participants, with an average age of 66, were matched for socioeconomic status and various other health conditions in addition to diabetes.
Individuals at risk for neovascular AMD often have conditions such as chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, which are also common in patients with diabetes who are prescribed GLP-1 drugs. The study’s authors noted a clear signal linking GLP-1 drug use to an increased risk of AMD, emphasizing the clinical significance of a doubling in risk for a condition that can have serious implications for vision and quality of life.
While GLP-1 drugs have been successful in managing blood sugar levels and have shown promise in treating various other health conditions, reports of eye problems, including abnormal blood vessel growth, have raised concerns. Previous studies have highlighted cases of retinopathy and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in individuals on GLP-1 medications.
Researchers suspect that plummeting blood glucose levels triggered by GLP-1 drugs may contribute to abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina. However, the exact mechanism remains unclear, and further research involving animal models and human tissue studies is needed to determine causality.
Patients taking GLP-1 drugs should be aware of potential visual symptoms indicating early signs of AMD, such as blurred or distorted vision, and should promptly seek evaluation by an ophthalmologist. While the study results do not warrant immediate changes in prescribing practices, they underscore the importance of monitoring and awareness regarding eye health in individuals being treated for diabetes.
Future research should focus on elucidating the association between GLP-1 drug use and eye diseases, as well as evaluating the potential benefits of discontinuing the medication in individuals showing early signs of AMD. Prescribing physicians should consider the potential ocular adverse events associated with GLP-1 drugs and weigh them against the therapeutic benefits these medications offer in managing diabetes and weight loss.
