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Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss, especially among older adults. With new treatments emerging for conditions like diabetes, some people are wondering if these medications could impact their eye health. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, used to manage diabetes and obesity, are one class of drugs that have drawn attention.
If you have AMD, you might ask: Can GLP-1 drugs worsen my vision or affect my eye condition? This article will explore the role of GLP-1 medications in eye health and what current research says about their safety for those living with macular degeneration.
GLP-1 receptor agonists help manage blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking the natural hormone glucagon-like peptide 1, which increases insulin production after eating and helps reduce appetite. These medications are also used to support weight loss in people with obesity.
Examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include:
Diabetes is known to increase the risk of certain eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, where high blood sugar damages the retina’s blood vessels. While diabetic retinopathy is directly linked to diabetes, AMD is not. However, it’s possible for someone to have both conditions. This raises the question of whether using GLP-1 drugs might impact AMD or increase the risks for other eye issues.
Common side effects of GLP-1 drugs include nausea, vomiting, and digestive discomfort. Are there risks to vision or eye health in people taking GLP-1 drugs? So far, the evidence of vision-related side effects remains limited, but a few concerns have been raised in the medical community.
GLP-1 drugs can sometimes cause blurred vision, often during periods of adjusting blood sugar levels or experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). This blurriness is usually due to changes in blood sugar levels rather than a direct effect on the eyes themselves.
A 2024 study suggested a possible link between GLP-1 drugs and a rare condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION causes sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the retina to the brain. However, it is important to note that NAION is different from age-related macular degeneration, which specifically affects the central retina. While there may be a slight risk of NAION, there is no clear evidence that GLP-1 drugs worsen AMD.
There has been some speculation about whether GLP-1 medications could influence the progression of conditions like diabetic retinopathy. As of now, there is no strong evidence that these drugs worsen diabetic retinopathy or other eye conditions beyond NAION. While some symptoms, such as blurred vision, may be similar to those seen with AMD, these side effects are not directly related to AMD.
Currently, there is no strong evidence that GLP-1 drugs contribute to the progression or worsening of age-related macular degeneration. Most eye care professionals do not consider these medications a risk factor for AMD. However, ongoing research could change our understanding in the future.
AMD is a progressive condition that mainly affects the macula, leading to loss of central vision. It’s natural to feel concerned about starting a new medication when you already have a vision condition, but existing studies have not shown that GLP-1 drugs speed up AMD progression. If you are managing both diabetes and AMD, it’s essential for your health care team to closely monitor how your medications interact.
Some treatments for AMD, such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections, were developed to slow down the progression of the disease. As of now, there’s no evidence suggesting that GLP-1 drugs interfere with these treatments. Nevertheless, because each person’s medical situation is unique, it’s important to discuss all medications you take with your ophthalmologist (eye specialist).
As many people living with AMD are older, they may be taking multiple medications for conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, or arthritis. It’s crucial to ensure that your health care providers are aware of all your treatments and supplements to help avoid any harmful drug interactions.
Whether or not you’re taking GLP-1 drugs, managing AMD requires a holistic approach to your health. Since AMD is a progressive condition in which vision worsens over time, and GLP-1 drugs are often prescribed long term, it’s important to make sure your entire medical care team is on the same page. Here are some steps you can take to protect your vision and ensure that your medications are working in harmony.
Always keep your ophthalmologist informed about all the medications and supplements you’re taking, not just those related to AMD. If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 drug, let your eye doctor know so they can keep an eye out for any changes in your vision.
It’s important to keep up with your regular eye exams if you have AMD. If you notice changes in your vision — such as increased blurriness, new dark spots, or trouble reading — bring them up with your eye doctor right away.
If you start taking a GLP-1 drug and experience any vision-related side effects, even mild ones, report them to both your prescribing doctor and ophthalmologist. Blurred vision may be temporary, but it’s always best to stay on the safe side.
As new research becomes available about GLP-1 drugs and eye health, keeping yourself informed can help you make better decisions for your care. Ask your eye care provider about any new findings.
Managing conditions like AMD, diabetes, or obesity together often means considering other aspects of health, including diet, exercise, and supplements. Discussing lifestyle factors with both your primary care physician and eye doctor can help ensure that you’re taking a well-rounded approach to both your vision and overall health.
For those with AMD, the possibility of worsening vision is always a concern when starting new medications. While GLP-1 drugs do not seem to worsen AMD, there are still some rare vision-related side effects to be aware of. By ensuring that everyone involved in your health care knows about all the medications you’re taking, you can minimize the risk of dangerous interactions and make sure you're getting the best possible care for both your AMD and any other conditions you’re managing.
On myAMDTeam, the social network for people with AMD and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with AMD.
Are you living with AMD and thinking of trying a GLP-1 medication? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities.
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Kelsey Stalvey, Pharm.D.
received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Pacific University School of Pharmacy in Portland, Oregon, and went on to complete a one-year postgraduate residency at Sarasota Memorial Hospital in Sarasota, Florida.
Learn more about her here.
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