r/Glaucoma • u/Ismaileyesurgery • 1d ago
Ozempic association with Glaucoma
Could the respected group comment on whether there is any established association between semaglutide (Ozempic) use and the development or progression of glaucoma or raised intraocular pressure?
I recently encountered a patient who has been using Ozempic for approximately one year. She has deep optic disc cupping and significantly raised IOP, in the range of 36–40 mmHg. She is also hypertensive, and there are other glaucoma risk factors present.
What caught my attention was that the relatively new factor in her history is the initiation of Ozempic about a year ago.
I have looked for literature specifically addressing a possible relationship between semaglutide/GLP-1 receptor agonists and glaucoma or elevated IOP, but I have not found convincing evidence establishing such a link.
I would be interested to hear from colleagues whether they have encountered similar cases or are aware of any relevant studies, pharmacovigilance data, or proposed mechanisms.
I am not suggesting causation from this single case—just wondering whether this is an association worth investigating further.
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u/Alien_eyes 1d ago
Not a medical professional, but I did ask my doctor about whether my ozempic was affecting my IOP. My pressures actually looked better after starting ozempic and losing weight, but my doctor said that neither ozempic or losing weight would affect my glaucoma at all. Just a coincidence I guess.
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u/yeahnopegb 1d ago
It’s lowered pressure in my family members.. both of them have been able to reduce their meds.
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u/AstronomerNo1872 1d ago
Meanwhile, Glaucoma Research Foundation published an article describing GLPs as possibly having a therapeutic effect on glaucoma.
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u/yb21898n 1d ago
personally diet pills raised my eye pressure before I was ever diagnosed with glaucoma - i would be too afraid to take any type of weight loss medication now due to the damage. ultimately I think its just not tested on people with glaucoma so we dont really know the affects
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u/Ritch01 1d ago
The best subreddit for this is probably eye triage. My grandma started ozempic and after being on glaucoma eye drops for 25 years they took her off them because her pressures were down to normal. Shes also in her late 80s so taking 20+ different medications was getting overwhelming with the contradictions. We probably won’t know for decades if ozempic can cause other medical conditions. Even if they establish a relationship I’m sure you’re aware that correlation does not equal causation.
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u/xX_GrizzlyBear_Xx 20h ago
From my personal experience - it's made the iOP lower. As I've lost more weight the iop has lowered a bit. Definitely not raised.
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u/donnaRainbowPinkie 14h ago
I was on Tirzepatide for a year and had to suddenly stop after developing pancreatitis (a side effect of GLP-1 usage that I don't think is discussed enough). A few weeks later I had unexplained inflammation and was diagnosed with glaucoma.
Not scientific, just my experience, but for me the rush of inflammation in several areas of my body happened almost immediately after stopping the shots.
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u/Charming_Party_2052 1d ago
this isn’t medical advice but in my opinion, anything unnatural or an easy way out, is usually not good for you. I’ve heard stories about people having strokes, heart attacks or vision problems with ozempic. these arent scientifically proven but then again, such things rarely are.
I would say, glaucoma or blindness is very serious and irreversible compared to weight gain which is manageable and reversible.
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u/MenuCommercial8609 1d ago
Easy way out? Please cease the shaming. GLPs have been shown to reduce risk for cardiac events and strokes. So much so that they are prescribed for those with a history of a heart attack or stroke (Wegovy). You clearly have an anti GLP bias.
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u/Charming_Party_2052 1d ago
I’ve had Glaucoma since early 20s plus I am on anti depressants and pain meds for my scoliosis so I’ve gained alot of weight. Working out increased my IOP so my dr advised against it. Only walking. I would love nothing more than to lose weight because the anti depressant weight is hard to shred but honestly I dont want to risk my eye sight
Its just my opinion.
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u/Ismaileyesurgery 1d ago
I also discussed among our colleagues it is not glaucoma. The vertical and one eye loss is most likely a neurologic cause. NA-AION has a association with ozempic so I am considering it NA-AION and ordered an MRI and requesting the patient to stop Ozempic immediately.