“I would not recommend stopping a GLP-1 medication solely because of this study,” Dave categorically emphasized.
“These medications have substantial benefits for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and weight management, and the potential excess risk identified in our study was very small,” he noted.
“Patients who are older, male, or have preexisting ophthalmic conditions may wish to discuss their individual risk with their clinician, but these findings should promote awareness rather than alarm,” Dave advised.
According to Bert:
“It is important to be aware of the risks and side effects associated with any treatment. In this case, as we learn more about the medications, there will be more data available. This helps us to understand more about the possible side effects. Newer medications then can help to adjust their mechanism of action to lower those risks.”
“So, while the risk is still very low, if there is a concern, you may want to discuss that with your doctor and see if there is another GLP1 medication that could have a lower risk profile for causing NAION,” the ophthalmologist told us.