GLP-1 drugs are one kind of medicine that is used to maintain the blood sugar level if you have type 2 diabetes. It is also beneficial for losing weight. It acts as a natural hormone that makes you feel less hungry and also helps your body to maintain sugar levels.
Because of this, these drugs have become very popular for people who need extra help with diabetes or weight problems, and they are usually given as a shot. Recently, some new research has shown that people who use GLP-1 drugs might have a higher chance of getting a serious eye disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD can make it hard for older adults to see clearly, and it is a major cause of vision loss. This is important news because so many people take GLP-1 drugs. It means doctors and patients need to think about both the good and possible bad effects of these medicines, especially regarding eye health.
What Is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is an eye problem that damages the macula, the small, important part at the centre of your retina that helps you see things straight ahead. AMD is one of the main reasons older people lose their vision.
Types of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD):
- Dry AMD:
This is the type most people get. Over time, the central part of the eye, called the macula, becomes thinner. Sometimes, little yellow spots appear under it. This makes it harder to see clearly, but the change happens slowly.
- Wet AMD:
This kind is less common but more serious. Instead of simply becoming thinner, abnormal new blood vessels form beneath the macula. These vessels are delicate and may leak blood or fluid into the surrounding tissue. This causes more sudden and severe vision problems.
The Recent Study: GLP-1 Drugs and AMD Risk
A large research project in 2025 set out to see if medicines commonly used for diabetes, called GLP-1 drugs, had any effect on the chance of getting a serious eye condition known as wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The study looked at the health information of about 140,000 people living in Ontario, Canada. All these people had diabetes and were aged 65 or older. The researchers separated them into two groups: those who had taken GLP-1 drugs for at least six months, and those who had not used these medicines at all.
| Study/Institution | Population Studied | Main Finding |
| University of Toronto | 139,000+ people with diabetes | People who take GLP-1 drugs are twice as likely to develop a serious eye disease (called neovascular AMD) as people who don’t take these drugs. |
| Cleveland Clinic | Older adults in the U.S. | GLP-1 drugs might help protect against AMD. |
| Allan et al. (Ophthalmology) | U.S. patients with diabetes/obesity | Lower rates of AMD were found in those using GLP-1 drugs than in those using other medicines. |
What the Study Found?
- Much Higher Risk for Serious Eye Disease
People with diabetes who took GLP-1 drugs for at least six months had a risk of developing wet age-related macular degeneration that was more than double that of those who did not use these medicines.
- The Actual Number of Cases Was Still Small
Even though the risk was much higher, the total number of people who got this eye disease was low. Among those taking GLP-1 drugs, about two out of every thousand developed the condition. For those not taking the drugs, it was about one out of every thousand.
- Longer Use Means Greater Risk
If you are consuming GLP-1 drugs for a longer period, then it increases the chance of macular degeneration. Those who used the medicine for more than a year and a half had an even higher risk, and the risk was highest for those using semaglutide.
- Most People Used Semaglutide
Almost everyone in the study who took a GLP-1 drug was using semaglutide, the main ingredient in Ozempic.
Why Is This Important?
This is important because wet (neovascular) age-related macular degeneration is a serious eye problem that can quickly cause permanent vision loss. You can use the GLP-1 drugs to maintain your diabetes level.
Knowing about possible side effects, like vision problems, is important for both patients and doctors. This study shows that anyone taking these medicines, especially if they have diabetes or other risks for eye disease, should get regular eye check-ups.
Do GLP-1 Drugs Protect or Harm the Eyes?
Not all studies agree on the effect of GLP-1 drugs on eye health. There is mixed evidence about whether GLP-1 drugs are good or bad for eye health.
- Protective Effects:
- Some studies, like those from the Cleveland Clinic, suggest GLP-1 drugs might lower the risk of eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
- This is compared to other diabetes medicines like metformin, insulin, statins, or aspirin.
- Different studies, different results:
- The studies looked at different groups of people or different types of eye disease.
- They also used different research methods, which can explain why the results don’t always match.
How Should Patients and Doctors Interpret These Results?
- Risk vs. Benefit:
- While GLP-1 drugs may raise the risk of a serious eye disease (neovascular AMD), the overall chance of getting it is still low.
- At the same time, these medicines are very good at helping control blood sugar and helping people lose weight, which are important health benefits.
- Monitoring:
- People who take GLP-1 drugs, especially if they have diabetes or a family history of eye disease, should get regular eye check-ups.
- This helps catch any vision problems early.
- Talk to your doctor:
- If you have any worries about your eyes or your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider before starting or continuing GLP-1 drugs.
What Do Experts Say?
- Ophthalmologists (eye doctors):
They say that while the risk of getting a serious eye disease (neovascular AMD) is higher with GLP-1 drugs, it is still rare overall.
- Endocrinologists (diabetes specialists):
These doctors point out that GLP-1 drugs are very helpful for controlling blood sugar and helping with weight loss.
Practical Advice for People Taking GLP-1 Drugs
- Get your eyes checked regularly:
Have an eye exam at least once a year, or more often if you notice any changes in your vision.
- Watch for eye problems:
Be aware of symptoms like blurry vision, dark or empty spots in the centre of your sight, or trouble recognising faces.
- Tell your doctor about your medicines:
Let your healthcare provider know about all the medicines and supplements you are taking.
- Take care of your overall health:
You should try to maintain your blood sugar level and keep your cholesterol level under control. Don’t smoke, as smoking increases your risk for eye disease.
What Does This Mean for the Future of GLP-1 Drugs?
Scientists want to do more research to really understand if GLP-1 medicines can cause eye problems. They want to make sure the results are true and learn more about how these drugs might affect vision before making any big changes.
In the future, doctors might start telling people who take GLP-1 drugs to get their eyes checked regularly. This would help catch any eye problems early, so they can be treated right away.
Patients and doctors should both pay attention if someone’s eyesight changes, and let each other know right away. If everyone knows about the risks and pays attention, any issues can be spotted and treated quickly, which helps protect people’s eyesight.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Should I stop my GLP-1 medicine if I’m worried about AMD?
Don’t stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. The chance of getting a serious eye disease is low, and these drugs help with diabetes and weight management.
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How often should I get my eyes checked if I take a GLP-1 drug?
You should get your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year. If you have other eye risks, your doctor may want you to get checked more often.
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Are all GLP-1 drugs the same for AMD risk?
Most risk in recent studies was linked to semaglutide (Ozempic), but not every brand has been studied closely. More research is needed to determine if all GLP-1 drugs are the same.
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What are the signs of neovascular AMD?
Look out for blurry or wavy vision, dark or empty spots in your central vision, and trouble seeing faces or reading.
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Is there treatment if I get neovascular AMD?
Yes, there are treatments like eye injections that can slow the disease and help keep your vision if it’s found early.
Conclusion
Recent studies on GLP-1 drugs and eye health have found different results. Some research shows a small increase in the risk of a serious eye disease, but other studies suggest these medicines might help protect the eyes from certain problems.
Because the findings are mixed, people taking GLP-1 drugs should get regular eye check-ups, especially if they have diabetes or a family history of eye disease. Talking to your doctor about any concerns is always a good idea.