Two large studies from the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) have found that Ozempic, a widely used medication for type 2 diabetes, may double the risk of a rare but serious eye condition known as NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). This condition can damage the optic nerve and lead to permanent vision loss.
The findings, based on Danish health records, confirm concerns raised earlier this year by a smaller U.S. study. While NAION remains rare, the increase in cases after Ozempic became available suggests a potential link between the drug and optic nerve damage.
What the Studies Found
The two studies used different methods to analyze the connection between Ozempic and NAION:
- Professor Jakob Grauslund’s Study
- Examined health data from 424,152 Danish adults with type 2 diabetes, including 106,454 Ozempic users.
- Found that Ozempic users were twice as likely to develop NAION compared to those taking other diabetes medications.
- Reported that NAION cases in Denmark have risen significantly since Ozempic’s introduction in 2018, from 60–70 cases per year to up to 150 cases annually.
- Professor Anton Pottegård’s Study
- Compared new Ozempic users with patients taking other diabetes drugs at a similar stage of the disease.
- Conducted in both Denmark and Norway for stronger data comparison.
- Also found that Ozempic users had double the risk of developing NAION.
Both studies confirm that the increased risk applies to all type 2 diabetes patients, not just those with severe illness.
Should Patients Stop Taking Ozempic?
While these findings raise concerns, experts do not recommend stopping Ozempic immediately.
- NAION is still a rare condition, affecting only a small percentage of patients.
- Ozempic has proven benefits, including blood sugar control and weight loss, which help manage diabetes and reduce complications.
- Other diabetes medications may reduce kidney and heart disease risk, so patients should consult their doctorsto weigh the risks and benefits.
However, if a patient develops NAION in one eye, doctors recommend stopping Ozempic immediately to prevent further damage.
What Happens Next?
- Danish and international health authorities have been informed and are reviewing the data.
- The studies will be considered in future treatment guidelines for diabetes.
- More research is needed to understand why Ozempic may affect the optic nerve and identify which patients are most at risk.
For now, patients using Ozempic should be aware of potential vision risks and discuss any concerns with their doctors.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about the cooking connection between potatoes and diabetes, and low calorie diets may help reverse type 2 diabetes.
For more health information, please see recent studies about protein power: a new ally in diabetes management, and pineapple and diabetes: A sweet surprise.
The research findings can be found in medRxiv.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
