New generation medicines being used to reduce diabetes and obesity are nowadays worldwide discussion. They are known as ‘Blockbuster Weight Loss Drugs’. But do you know that these medicines can affect your eyes health? Recently, two new studies, published in Jama Network Open, have revealed this, after which a debate has started around the world whether it is really harmful to our eyes.
What medicines are in discussion?
Semaglutide: It is a GLP-1 hormone-like medicine, which controls blood sugar and reduces appetite. It is used for type-2 diabetes and weight loss.
Tirzepatide: It also acts like a gip hormone with GLP-1, which helps insulin release and weight control.
Which eye diseases are threatened?
These drugs have been linked to two serious eye problems in studies:
Diabetic retinopathy: Due to excess blood sugar for a long time, the vein of the retina deteriorates, which can lead to blindness.
Naion (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy): Suddenly, without pain, vision loss can occur due to reduced blood flow in the vein of the eye.
What came out in research?
In the first study, in patients with type-2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs were compared to those taking other medicines. As a result, the risk of diabetic retinopathy and naion was found slightly higher than GLP-1 drugs. The good thing is that these drugs were less at risk of total blindness and the possibility of serious problems of retinopathy also declined.
In the second study, the most powerful GLP-1 drugs (semaglutide, tirzepatide) were found to be slightly increased cases of NAION and other optic nerve disorders. Both these studies have forced people to think once again.
Why was research needed?
If you talk about why it was needed, then there were indications of increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy in the initial trial of Semaglutide about 10 years ago. After this, high-risk patients were kept out of further trial and monitoring was increased. Recently, two major research was done after the NAion case increased in a study. According to the European Medicine Agency, about 1 out of every 10,000 people who take semaglutide can have Naion. A similar study is also necessary for tirzepatide.
Should the medicine stop taking?
Experts say no. These drugs are a gamechanger in the management of diabetes and obesity. Also, their positive effects have been seen on heart, kidney and liver health.
What are the things to keep in mind?
- People who already have diabetic retinopathy must check the eyes before and after increasing the dose.
- Increase the dose gradually so that there is no sudden change in blood sugar.
- Keep better coordination between diabetes doctor and i-specialist.
- Eye safety should also be included in all future GLP-1 drug trials.
These medicines are very effective in weight and blood sugar control, but it is necessary to be cautious for the health of the eyes. From time to time, you can take their benefits with checkup and correct monitoring and reduce the risk.
Also read- You are not taking excessive vitamin D, know how much danger to kidney and heart?
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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