Older adults with diabetes who are using semaglutide are twice as likely to develop neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) compared to those not using the weight loss drug.
Researchers from the University of Toronto have found that semaglutide use increases nAMD risk by 50%.
nAMD is a serious form of AMD that causes rapid vision loss. It is characterised by the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the back of the eye, specifically under the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision.
Traditionally used to treat type 2 diabetes, semaglutide has more recently been used to treat obesity under brand names like Ozempic and Wegovy.
GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have previously been associated with complications in diabetic retinopathy, diabetes trials have concluded.
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As part of the population-based retrospective cohort analysis, the team of researchers examined the health data of 139,002 older adults with diabetes.
A total of 46,334 of the participants have used GLP-1 RAs for at least six months.
The results have shown that the participants who had used GLP-1 RAs were more likely to develop nAMD compared to those who had never used the weight loss drug.
nAMD was also higher among older participants and those who have experienced prior cerebrovascular events, the study has reported.
Read more in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.
