More than 90 Americans sue weight-loss drugmakers over alleged vision loss

More than 90 people in the United States have taken legal action against companies that make popular GLP-1 medicines used to treat diabetes and help with weight loss, alleging that the drugs caused serious vision problems or even blindness, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday.

According to media reports, the plaintiffs claimed that they developed a rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) after using the medicines.

The condition, sometimes called an “eye stroke,” can cause sudden and, in some cases, permanent loss of vision.

However, medical experts say there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence proving that GLP-1 medicines directly cause NAION.

Some studies have reported a small increase in the risk of the condition among people taking these medicines, while other research has found no clear link between GLP-1 drugs and vision loss.

The European Medicines Agency has said that among people with diabetes taking GLP-1 medicines, about one in every 10,000 may develop the eye condition.

GLP-1 medicines, including widely used drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy, help lower blood sugar and can support weight loss.

Experts also noted that a rapid change in blood sugar levels can temporarily affect the shape of the eye’s lens, causing blurred vision. This type of vision problem generally improves within three to four months.

Doctors advise people taking GLP-1 medicines, particularly those with diabetes, to have regular eye check-ups.

Anyone experiencing sudden or unusual changes in vision should seek medical attention from an eye specialist promptly.