Weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro have gained massive popularity, helping millions shed unwanted pounds.
But now, alarming reports suggest that these medications could have a devastating side effect—vision loss.
Experts are warning that these widely used injections might be linked to severe and sometimes irreversible blindness.
The Disturbing Cases of Sudden Blindness
Recent research has uncovered at least nine cases in the U.S. where patients lost their sight after using semaglutide or tirzepatide, the active ingredients in Ozempic and Mounjaro.
In one shocking case, a woman injected a single dose of semaglutide for her diabetes and woke up the next morning blind in her left eye.
She stopped taking the drug for two months but had to restart it due to her diabetes.
Two weeks later, she lost vision in her right eye as well.
Another woman, who had been using semaglutide for a year, woke up with a dark shadow over her left eye.
Doctors discovered that blood vessels in her retina had been damaged, leaving her permanently blind in that eye.
A man taking tirzepatide for a year suffered internal bleeding in his left eye but was advised to continue the medication since there was no definitive proof linking it to his condition.
What Could Be Causing This?
The exact cause behind these cases remains unclear, but experts have a theory.
It is believed that the rapid drop in blood sugar levels caused by these medications might be damaging the blood vessels in the eyes.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology has urged anyone experiencing vision loss while on these medications to stop using them immediately and consult their doctor.
A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggested that a condition called nonarteritic ischemic anterior optic neuropathy (NAION) might be at play.
NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked, leading to sudden blindness in one or both eyes.
The researchers found that seven of the nine affected patients were diagnosed with this condition.
Who Is Most at Risk?
The study included patients from various states, including Utah, Minnesota, New York, West Virginia, and Ohio.
The average age was 57, with women making up 56% of the cases.
NAION is most commonly seen in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea—all conditions that can affect blood vessels.
One particularly alarming case involved a woman in her 50s who developed NAION just a day after her first semaglutide injection.
Her vision loss temporarily improved when she stopped the medication, only to return once she resumed taking it.
Another patient, a man in his 60s, experienced blurred vision after 10 months on semaglutide.
His symptoms resolved, but weeks later, he lost vision in his other eye.
What Does This Mean for Millions Taking These Drugs?
Weight loss injections like Ozempic and Mounjaro are being used by an estimated 15 million Americans.
Since their introduction, patients have reported various unexpected side effects, including stomach paralysis, thyroid tumors, suicidal thoughts, sexual dysfunction, and hair loss.
While the recent study cannot definitively prove that these medications cause blindness, the growing number of cases is raising red flags.
Health officials in Denmark, where Ozempic’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk is based, have already launched an investigation into the potential link between semaglutide and vision loss.
For now, experts are urging anyone experiencing vision problems while taking these drugs to seek immediate medical advice.
While these medications have helped millions lose weight, it’s becoming clear that they may come with risks far more serious than anyone initially realized.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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