Weight loss drugs can exceptionally cause blindness, warn U.S. authorities

U.S. authorities confirmed that modern weight loss drugs may cause a rare eye disorder leading to blindness. Approximately 100,000 people in the U.S. use GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy. The FDA warns of a potential link to near-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can result in sudden vision loss. Although the risk is low, it is significant enough for the FDA to require warnings on drug labels. NAION is associated with reduced blood flow to the optic nerve and is more common in individuals over 50 or with high blood pressure. Users are advised to monitor their vision closely and report any changes to their healthcare provider. The FDA and European health authorities are investigating this potential side effect further.