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Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist Use and Risk of Cataract Development
Abhimanyu S Ahuja1, Alfredo A Paredes2, Sejal A Ahuja3
1From the Department of Ophthalmology (A.S.A., B.K.Y.), Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|October 23, 2025
Summary
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) significantly reduced the risk of age-related cataract in overweight patients compared to other weight loss drugs. Further trials are needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Age-related cataract is a leading cause of vision impairment.
- Weight loss medications are commonly prescribed for overweight and obese individuals.
- The ocular side effects of weight loss drugs are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risk of developing age-related cataract in nondiabetic overweight or obese patients prescribed glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).
- To compare this risk against other weight loss drugs (OWLD) and no pharmacologic treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study utilizing the TriNetX Global Collaborative Network.
- Included overweight/obese patients aged 55+ without diabetes or prior cataract.
- Propensity score matching was used to compare GLP-1RA users, OWLD users, and non-users.
Main Results:
- GLP-1RA use was associated with a significantly decreased risk of age-related cataract at 5, 7, and 10 years compared to OWLD (RR < 0.3) and no drug use (RR < 0.5).
- Conversely, OWLD use was associated with an increased risk of age-related cataract compared to no drug use (RR > 2.0).
Conclusions:
- GLP-1RA use demonstrates a protective association against age-related cataract development.
- These findings warrant further investigation through randomized controlled trials and mechanistic studies.
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