As India gears up for rising demand for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, new global studies have flagged serious vision-related risks associated with its long-term use. With diabetes and pre-diabetes prevalent across the country, experts are calling for urgent regulatory safeguards and eye health monitoring to prevent avoidable vision loss.

Key highlights

Rare but serious eye condition identified

• European Medicines Agency has linked semaglutide (in Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) to Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) a condition that may cause permanent vision loss.

• Up to 1 in 10,000 patients using semaglutide for over a year could be affected.

• NAION is the second-most common cause of optic nerve–related blindness, after glaucoma.

Indian impact and Over-the-Counter usage

• Ozempic’s growing use in India includes off-label and OTC access, raising unregulated risk exposure.

• India’s high diabetes burden makes the population particularly vulnerable to retinal complications.

More eye risks uncovered

• A JAMA Ophthalmology study found that GLP-1 drugs double the risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) among diabetic patients.

• Risk increases with longer treatment duration, underlining the need for long-term patient monitoring.

What experts recommend

• Mandatory Eye Screenings: Pre-treatment eye exams for diabetic or retinal-risk patients.

• Clear Label Warnings: Prescription drugs like Ozempic must display side effect risks, especially for eye-related complications.

• Doctor Collaboration: Endocrinologists and ophthalmologists must jointly monitor high-risk patients.

• Public Awareness Drives: Eye health literacy and regular check-ups should be actively promoted for those on semaglutide-based medication.

India’s pharma regulators now face a critical decision: as celebrity-endorsed weight-loss drugs like Ozempic enter the mainstream, it’s vital to balance innovation with caution. A combination of proactive surveillance, evidence-based messaging, and multi-specialty coordination can help India prevent vision-related tragedies while embracing therapeutic progress.