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Is Semaglutide Linked to NAION? A Case Report on a Rare Ocular Complication
Dina Lešin Gaćina1, Tomislav Vidović1, Nikolina Vlajić Oreb2
1Department of Ophthalmology, Zagreb University Hospital Center, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia.
Reports (MDPI)
|August 22, 2025
Summary
Semaglutide, a diabetes drug, may be linked to ischemic optic neuropathy, a cause of vision loss. Patients with diabetes on this medication require careful eye monitoring for potential complications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Ischemic optic neuropathies (IONs) cause vision loss due to optic nerve blood flow reduction.
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) increases ION risk via hyperglycemia and vascular issues.
- GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are being investigated for potential ocular side effects.
Observation:
- A 55-year-old female with type 2 DM developed blurred vision and optic disc edema after semaglutide initiation.
- Initial diagnosis of diabetic papillopathy evolved into non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
- Symptoms emerged four months into semaglutide therapy, suggesting a possible drug association.
Findings:
- Diagnostic tests including visual field testing and OCT confirmed NAION.
- Partial visual recovery was achieved with corticosteroids and improved glycemic control.
- The temporal relationship suggests semaglutide may contribute to ischemic optic events in diabetic patients.
Implications:
- This case highlights a potential rare ocular complication of semaglutide in diabetic patients.
- Vigilant ocular monitoring is essential for individuals on GLP-1 receptor agonists with vascular risk factors.
- Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms linking semaglutide to IONs.
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