Blurry Vision / Difficulty Focusing
Users on Reddit have reported a variety of experiences with blurry vision and difficulty focusing while on GLP-1 medications. Some attribute these issues directly to the medication, while others consider factors like age or pre-existing conditions. There is also discussion around more serious, though less common, conditions like Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).
Experiences with Blurry Vision / Difficulty Focusing:
A user on Zepbound for two months experienced significant vision decline: "I went on Zepbound for 2 months and my vision went to shit, where it was excellent…I have been off it for a year and started using glasses and. It seems like it’s still getting worse. "[3] They added that people attribute it to age (47), but they weren't aware of this side effect until recently. [3]
One user described their experience with blurry vision: "Just blurry vision really- first it seemed like print was moving when I was trying to read it... When I started paying attention i noticed that things were slightly dimmer in that eye and I would have trouble with things that are similar contrast (light switches) for a second or two if my good eye was covered. "[4] This user also mentioned headaches behind the eye. [4]
Another user reported, "When I close my eyes, I see static, and my eyes are slightly blurrier than before but no, my vision isn’t majorly disrupted. "[5]
A user experiencing Semaglutide withdrawal noted vision issues when eating carbs or sugar: "I notice that if I eat anything with a gram of carbs or sugar my vision becomes crazy mainly with depth perception problems and major brain fog that lasts for days. "[6] In response, another user mentioned, "Yea I see static everywhere . But yours sounds more like blood sugar the GLP 1 lowers your blood sugar a lot once u get off of it have you had yours checked"[7]
Concerns about NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) are present. One user asked, "Anyone experiencing vision issues? When the reports of NAION came out I got pretty scared. "[8] Another user reported a patient on Wegovy who "wake up with no vision in one eye and apparently it’s irreversible" due to NAION. [9] A different user mentioned, "I had a patient a couple of months back that came in with NAION shortly after starting Ozempic. "[10]
A user diagnosed with NAION after taking semaglutide for 9 months shared, "I was diagnosed with NAION yesterday after dealing with some visual loss in one eye over the last couple of months (not totally blind btw). "[11] They later added, "I just lost a small part of my vision on the lower left side of my eye. It did happen while I was on it, full dose. "[12]
Co-workers on Wegovy for over a year experienced "floaters, inability to focus on objects, and blurred vision. They can't wear contacts their contacts anymore. Both have been to ophthalmologists. One was diagnosed with uveitis with no known cause... The other still doesn't know the cause. "[13]
One user mentioned, "There's also a risk of optic neuropathy from taking glp1". [14]
Context and Potential Contributing Factors:
Another user pointed out, "Sudden improvement in glycemic control is associated with a worsening of diabetic retinopathy. "[16]
It's also mentioned that, "NAION is considered idiopathic and is generally considered a diagnosis of exclusion... Specific causality with glp1 is still being looked at so it seems kinda loosely related right now… maybe happens do to an acute change in metabolic regulation or is just coincidental since these patients have all the risk factors. "[17]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Stay Hydrated and Use Artificial Tears: "Ozempic/GLPs can dry out your eyes, which can exacerbate any eye or vision problems. Make sure you’re staying hydrated and using artificial tears. "[20]
Discuss with Doctor: "Did you discuss this with your doctor? "[21]
Consider Discontinuation if Severe: One user whose eyesight worsened on Ozempic was asked, "dude you have to choose between controlling your diabetes with food intake vs being blind? ands you are having doubts? are you kidding us? "[22]
Check Blood Sugar: For vision issues potentially related to blood sugar fluctuations, one user suggested, "have you had yours checked"[7] (referring to blood sugar).
It's important to note that some users are skeptical about the direct link between GLP-1s and severe vision issues, suggesting that such conditions can occur in people not on these drugs and that studies may have limitations. [23, 24] However, the advice to seek professional medical attention for any vision changes is consistently emphasized.
Experiences with Blurry Vision / Difficulty Focusing:
- Some users report a worsening of eyesight.
Context and Potential Contributing Factors:
- Some users note that pre-existing conditions like diabetes can cause vision problems.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- See an Ophthalmologist: This is the most frequently recommended action.
It's important to note that some users are skeptical about the direct link between GLP-1s and severe vision issues, suggesting that such conditions can occur in people not on these drugs and that studies may have limitations. [23, 24] However, the advice to seek professional medical attention for any vision changes is consistently emphasized.