The FDA has warned that there are potential risks to patients' vision who use GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. This warning is due to an 'increased potential risk' of a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). The apparently minimal risk and unclear information led the FDA to want patients to be aware.

Beth Mole – Nov 10, 2026 9:43 am | 35 A close-up photo of a human eye Credit: Getty | George Pachantouris The FDA stated that it will request pharmaceutical companies of GLP-1 receptor agonists to add a warning on their labels for medicines. The specific eye condition that the FDA warns about is called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or NAION. The condition is caused by a reduction in blood flow to the eye's nerve, which leads to electrical stimulation and cell death, causing irreversible damage to the nerve, leading to blindness.

It is unknown how GLP-1 drugs can cause NAION. The condition is rare in general, with approximately two out of every ten people in the general population, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Conditions of reabsorption are common among users of GLP-1 drugs, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, metabolic syndrome, and obstructive sleep apnea.

The information on the conditions of reabsorption has been difficult to determine with certainty, as the risk of developing NAION is influenced by these risk factors. The first study suggesting a connection between GLP-1 drugs and NAION was published in 2024 by Harvard University researchers. This warning should be considered only as a precautionary measure, given that the information on side effects may be confusing and the conditions of reabsorption are common among users of GLP-1 drugs.