Is There a Causal Link Between GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy? A Critique of the Clinical Evidence

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used for managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity, with well-documented and significant cardiometabolic benefits. Recent observational reports and pharmacovigilance data have raised concerns about a possible association between GLP-1RAs-particularly semaglutide- and non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare cause of sudden vision loss. While case reports and spontaneous reporting systems suggest a potential signal, these sources are subject to confounding and reporting bias. Observational studies offer mixed findings, with some Scandinavian registry studies reporting elevated risks while large electronic health record EHR) analyses from the U.S. and multi-national databases have reported null or weak associations. Meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials- the gold standard for causal inference- currently lack power to reliably assess this rare outcome but suggest, at most, a comparatively moderate increase in risk (e.g., odds ratio of 2-3). Overall while a causal link cannot be excluded, the numerous studies that assert an 'association' between GLP-1 RA exposure and NAION should motivate larger pooled analyses of RCTs with adjudicated ocular outcome to definitely assess risk.