Story perspectives

Wegovy Linked to Higher Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Risk

3/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

An analysis in the British Journal of Ophthalmology finds Wegovy, a GLP-1 weight-loss drug, increases ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) risk versus Ozempic.
The study reports nearly fivefold risk with Wegovy and threefold higher risk in men than women.
It analyzed 31,774 FDA Adverse Event Reporting System reports for semaglutide, indicating a dose-dependent safety concern.
The FDA does not list ION as a risk, but findings warrant investigation as use grows.

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Story summary

An analysis in the British Journal of Ophthalmology finds Wegovy, a GLP-1 weight-loss drug, increases ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) risk versus Ozempic.
The study reports nearly fivefold risk with Wegovy and threefold higher risk in men than women.
It analyzed 31,774 FDA Adverse Event Reporting System reports for semaglutide, indicating a dose-dependent safety concern.
The FDA does not list ION as a risk, but findings warrant investigation as use grows.