NAION / "Eye Stroke" / Sudden Blindness
Users on Reddit are discussing experiences with Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION), sometimes referred to as an "eye stroke" or sudden blindness, while taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Reports range from personal accounts of vision loss to discussions about recent studies linking these drugs to NAION.
Experiences with NAION / Sudden Blindness / Vision Issues:
A user described their personal experience: "I actually had this happen to me end of May 2024 beginning of June 2024. My eyesight loss in my left eye is permanent. I have been treating with specialists since August 2024 to determine the cause, and at the end it appears it was due to the use of semaglutide. I was using it just shy of a year... I should add that I’m not diabetic. "[37]
Another user stated, "I developed NAION in December 2023... I am terrified of not taking Semaglutide. It’s the only way I’ve been able to maintain weight loss :(". [18] This user also acknowledged other personal risk factors: "I probably have other risk factors that play into getting NAION, like the way my optic nerve is shaped. I also live at high altitude, and I have blood pressure on the lower end. "[19]
One individual shared, "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. "[20]
A user reported being diagnosed with NAION after "dealing with some visual loss in one eye over the last couple of months (not totally blind btw) I took sema for about 9 months last year. "[21] This same user later clarified, "I have had two bouts and have lost some peripheral in that eye each timepermanently, but thankfully not blind and still able to function normally. "[22] They described the progression: "The first time it seemed to progress slowly... The second time it was over the course of a day or two. "[23] Doctors indicated the vision loss would not improve. [24]
Some users report blurry vision. One user on Mounjaro detailed, "Since Monday I started having blurry vision and I did notice for the past month or so that my eyesight was not ok... optician... informed me that I only have 75% vision in my left eye and ONLY 50% IN MY RIGHT EYE. In addition that I have cataract in both eyes... There is no doubt in my mind that that a medication that helped me lose weight... has also severely impacted my eyesight. "[30] However, this user was later diagnosed with Blepharitis, not NAION. [31]
Another Mounjaro user experienced similar symptoms: "I get EXACTLY the same symptoms as you - it kicks in about the 3rd or 4th day after I've had Mounjaro and it's a bit of a nightmare :(Also been to optician and my eyesight has decreased significantly. "[33]
General concern is also present: "Anyone experiencing vision issues? When the reports of NAION came out I got pretty scared. "[15]
Discussions on Causality and Risk Factors:
Users point out study limitations, such as their observational nature (correlation not causation) and potential confounding factors like the severity of pre-existing diabetes or obesity. [2, 5, 26]
Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and a "crowded disc" or small optic cup-to-disc ratio are frequently mentioned as known risk factors for NAION. [1, 10, 19, 27, 29, 35]
An ophthalmologist on Reddit conjectured, "NAION has been described as nocturnal hypotensive optic neuropathy. Ozempic lowers blood pressure... Ozempic could cause just enough additional reduction in blood pressure in susceptible people to trigger NAION. "[38] Another user also mentioned nocturnal hypotension as a cause. [9]
Some users and cited articles note that the risk of vision problems from untreated diabetes or obesity might be higher than the risk from the medication, and that GLP-1s can have neuroprotective benefits. [1, 2, 35]
One comment highlighted two potential eye issues: worsening of diabetic retinopathy due to rapid blood sugar control, and an increased relative risk of NAION in T2DM patients, though the absolute risk remains low. [14]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
Medical Consultation & Eye Exams:
Implicitly, seeking medical attention for vision changes is advised. [21]
Getting regular eye exams to assess for risk factors like a small cup-to-disc ratio is suggested. One user stated, "So if you look at the studies on NAION, 97% of cases have a crowded optic nerve head (ONH) and an optic cup-to-disc ratio of less than 0. 2. This is referred to as “disc at risk”... It seems like this is a condition an ophthalmologist can assess with a normal eye exam so you know if you are more likely to be at risk for NAION. "[27] Another agreed it's a "good reason to get your eyes checked IMO. "[28]
Dosage Consideration: One user suggested to "stick with the lowest effective dose. "[25]
For Blurry Vision (not NAION-specific):
A user diagnosed with Blepharitis (initially feared NAION) found that "lubricant eye drops definitely help" with blurry vision. [32] Another user experiencing similar blurriness inquired about the specific brand of these drops. [33]
For NAION Itself: Users who reported experiencing NAION often described the vision loss as permanent, and no specific remedies for reversing NAION were mentioned by them.
Experiences with NAION / Sudden Blindness / Vision Issues:
- Several users report being diagnosed with NAION after starting GLP-1 medications.
Discussions on Causality and Risk Factors:
- Many discussions revolve around observational studies suggesting a link between semaglutide and an increased risk of NAION.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended by Users:
- Awareness and Monitoring: Users advise to "be aware of any vision changes.