Cataracts
Users on Reddit have reported some experiences with vision issues, including cataracts, while on GLP-1 medications, though the direct causality is often questioned or attributed to other factors like age or pre-existing conditions.
Experiences with Cataracts and Vision Issues:
Another user mentioned, "I haven’t seen anywhere that says floaters and cataracts can be related to Wegovy! I don’t know how old you are but it could just be coincidence. Nearly everyone eventually gets floaters, as well as cataracts, although some people earlier than others. Also, if you have been in the sun a lot, didn’t wear sunglasses, etc. that can greatly increase your odds of getting earlier cataracts! "[2]
A user with type 1 diabetes who has been on GLP-1s since 2018 mentioned having "some changes going on in my right eye which need to be looked into further. I've been told 3 different things by 3 eye doctors. "[3]
One user on Zepbound for 2 months stated, "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. " They were 47 and acknowledged people telling them it's their age but were worried after learning about potential vision side effects. [4]
A user asked, "Anyone experiencing vision issues? When the reports of NAION came out I got pretty scared. Really don't want anything impacting my vision. "[5] Another user replied that they had blurriness due to high blood sugar before starting their GLP-1 but had "zero problems at all since starting it almost a year ago. "[6]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
Wearing sunglasses is mentioned as a general preventative measure for earlier cataracts, unrelated to GLP-1 use: "if you have been in the sun a lot, didn’t wear sunglasses, etc. that can greatly increase your odds of getting earlier cataracts! "[2]
It's important to note that some users and discussions highlight that diabetes itself is a leading factor for adult vision loss, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. [6, 8] The link between GLP-1 medications and conditions like NAION (Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) is also discussed, with some studies suggesting a potential increased risk, while others emphasize that the absolute risk remains low and that pre-existing conditions like diabetes are also risk factors for NAION.
Experiences with Cataracts and Vision Issues:
- One user reported developing "a large floater and a small cataract in one eye" after starting semaglutide, along with continued new floaters.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended:
- One user suggested a non-medication related remedy for a mild cataract: "try spraying -- hypochlorous acid .
It's important to note that some users and discussions highlight that diabetes itself is a leading factor for adult vision loss, including diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. [6, 8] The link between GLP-1 medications and conditions like NAION (Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) is also discussed, with some studies suggesting a potential increased risk, while others emphasize that the absolute risk remains low and that pre-existing conditions like diabetes are also risk factors for NAION.