ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – As GLP-1 medications continue to grow in popularity for weight loss, a group of eye doctors is urging caution about potential risks to vision.
GLP-1 medications were first used for diabetes control but have exploded in popularity among people wanting to lose weight. While patients can find success on GLP-1 medicines, the American Optometric Association is warning about potential eye-related side effects.
“Because so many people have added this as a weight loss management treatment, we of course have seen more and more things come about as a result of taking it long term,” said Dr. Jacquie Bowen, president of the American Optometric Association.
Rare vision condition linked to medications
Bowen said the medications are effective, but patients should stay vigilant. While rare, doctors are seeing a small rise in ischemic optic neuropathy in people taking GLP-1 drugs…