WEIGHT loss jabs have been linked to an eye condition that can cause blindness. Researchers found diabetes patients prescribed semaglutide , the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy , were more than four times more likely to be diagnosed with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). 1 Diabetes and weight loss jabs like Ozempic have been linked to a condition that can cause blindness Credit: OZEMPIC Meanwhile, those who were overweight or obese prescribed the drugs were more than seven times as likely to develop the condition as those on other weight loss medicines.
NAION, which is uncommon, occurs from a lack of sufficient blood flow to the optic nerve. People typically suffer sudden vision loss in one eye, without any pain, and patients often notice the issue on waking up. There are no current treatments for NAION and vision often does not improve.
Joseph Rizzo, a professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School in the US, who led the new study, said: "The use of these drugs has exploded throughout industrialised countries and they have provided very significant benefits in many ways. "But future discussions between a patient and their physician should include NAION as a potential risk. "It is important to appreciate, however, that the increased risk relates to a disorder that is relatively uncommon.
" NAION is thought to affect 10 out of 100,000 people in the general population. Most read in Health STREET DRAMA Dozens of police descend on Glasgow stre.