Recent studies from the University of Southern Denmark have highlighted a potential connection between the diabetes medication Ozempic and a rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition, which can damage the optic nerve, raises important questions for patients and healthcare providers.*

Key Findings from the Studies

Two major studies from Denmark provided new insights into the possible link between Ozempic and NAION:

• Both studies showed that Ozempic users are about twice as likely to develop NAION compared to those on other diabetes medications. 
• While the reason for that isn’t clear, researchers suspect the drug may affect blood flow to the optic nerve.
• These results back up a smaller American study that raised similar concerns last year.

“We see more cases of NAION among Ozempic users, but the condition is still very rare,” noted lead researcher Professor Anton Pottegård. He added that most patients should not stop taking the medication without first consulting their doctor.

Breaking Down the Risks

Understanding the risks of NAION can help you make informed decisions about your diabetes care and eye health. The findings showed that:

• About 2 in 10,000 Ozempic users develop NAION each year, compared to 1 in 10,000 on other medications.

Untreated diabetes can cause other eye problems, however, and and according to Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Ozempic, “The overall risk remains very low, and the benefits of Ozempic outweigh the potential risks for most patients.”

The company shared that NAION is not currently listed as a known side effect of the drug, but they are reviewing the research results closely. 

What Experts Are Saying

The findings from these studies have sparked thoughtful responses from other experts. 

“Our knowledge of the full extent of the medication’s side effects is still being discovered,” said ophthalmologist Benjamin Bert, M.D. of MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “While this finding is concerning, especially given that there’s no treatment for NAION at this time, each individual’s risk and benefit of treatment with Ozempic needs to be discussed.”

Dr. Howard Krauss, a surgical neuro-ophthalmologist and director of Pacific Neuroscience Institute’s Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center, cautions eye doctors against overreacting to the findings so as not to deter patients from using a medication that is otherwise effective in managing diabetes.

Krauss also emphasized that these results should lead to more research, rather than immediate changes in treatment recommendations. Patients on Ozempic who experience vision changes, however, should promptly consult their doctor to ensure proper care and assessment.

Even if you haven’t noticed changes in your vision, consider telling your eye doctor if you’re taking Ozempic, so you can discuss and weigh the potential benefits and risks.

*Cross, P. I. (2025, January 2). Danish studies find higher risk of optic nerve damage with Ozempic. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/danish-studies-find-higher-risk-optic-nerve-damage-diabetes-drug-ozempic 

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