Ophthalmic Complications Associated With the Antidiabetic Drugs Semaglutide and Tirzepatide

Nearly 2% of the US population received a prescription for semaglutide in 2023. There has been a recent concern that this drug and other similar medications may be associated with ophthalmic complications.

To report ophthalmic complications associated with the use of semaglutide or tirzepatide.

This was a retrospective case series. All patients were initially seen in a community setting. Patients experiencing an ophthalmic complication in association with the use of semaglutide or tirzepatide were included in this analysis.

Patients described were using either semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Visual acuity and visual field defects.

A total of 9 patients (mean [SD] age, 57.4 [11.6] years; age range, 37-77 years; 5 female [56%]; 4 male [44%]) were included in this study. Seven patients with nonarteritic ischemic anterior optic neuropathy, 1 patient with bilateral papillitis, and 1 patient with paracentral acute middle maculopathy were reported. Atypical features included sequential ischemic optic neuropathy, bilateral disc swelling at presentation, and progressive vision loss.

In this case series study, it was not possible to determine if there is a causal link between these drugs and the ophthalmic complications reported. In some cases, it is hypothesized that rapid correction of hyperglycemia induced by these drugs, rather than a toxic effect of the drugs, could be associated with the ophthalmic complications reported.