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Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients treated with semaglutide: report of four cases with a possible association

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, is increasingly used worldwide for its cardiometabolic benefits. However, it has recently been associated with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This report presents four clinical cases and explores a possible association. CASE PRESENTATION: Four male patients were diagnosed with NAION during semaglutide treatment, with treatment durations of less than one year in three cases. All presented with significant optic disc edema and intraretinal fluid on optical coherence tomography, along with crowded optic disc and small Bruch's membrane opening diameters (< 1.4 mm in three cases). One patient exhibited optic disc drusen. Visual field defects corresponded with ganglion cell layer atrophy on optical coherence tomography. Systemic risk factors varied; two patients had only obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Our observation suggests that individuals with small Bruch's membrane opening diameter may be at risk of developing NAION during semaglutide treatment.

Source: BMC Ophthalmology

DOI: 10.1186/s12886-025-03958-4

Authors: Hamid Ahmadi, Steffen Hamann

Institutions: Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen

Language: English

Topic: Drug-Induced Ocular Toxicity

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990