17/05/2026
GLP-1 Medications, like Wegovy and Ozempic, are powerful treatments, but they can also have knock-on effects when it comes to your vision.
WHAT ARE GLP-1 MEDICATIONS?
Medications like semaglutide (Wegovy and Ozempic), are known as GLP-1 Agonists. This medication helps to lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss. They can lead to significant weight reduction and improve overall health, including lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, like any powerful treatment, there are a few things to be aware of, especially when it comes to your eye health.
GLP-1 MEDICATIONS AND DIABETES
GLP-1 medications improve blood sugar levels, sometimes quite quickly. While this is beneficial overall, rapid changes in blood sugar can temporarily affect the small blood vessels in the retina.
These medications aren’t directly harmful to the eye, instead it’s the sudden adjustment your body is going through that can cause problems.
In the first few months of taking these medications, there is a small risk that diabetic retinopathy may worsen temporarily.
SAFE USE OF GLP-1 MEDICATIONS
GLP-1 medications are highly effective and increasingly important in modern health care. The overall benefits of treatment are much greater than the risks.
To use GLP-1 medications safely, we recommend:
🔹Getting regular eye checks
🔹Report visual changes early
🔹Go slowly with dose increases, if you are at higher risk.
Learn more on our blog: https://www.aucklandeye.co.nz/blog/glp-1-medications-and-your-eyes-what-you-need-to-know/