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Effects of GLP-1 drugs on Macular Degeneration?

Does anyone have experience or knowledge of the effects of GLP-1 drugs on MC? I started taking Zepbound a few months ago for weight loss, sleep apnea, and general health benefits. A friend recently reported that her Optometrist, a D.O., warned her about possible ocular side effects. In my limited research, I found a Canadian study that followed 139,000 people , all diabetic, taking Ozempic in higher doses over prolonged periods, and among those with AMD, the incidents of dry AMD turning wet doubled from 1 out of 1000 to 2 out of 1000. Although I am not diabetic, have only been on the minimum dose of Zepbound for a few months, and am within 5 - 10 lbs. of reaching my goal, I have stopped taking Zepbound until I see my retina specialist in two weeks. My fear is that I am already within the 20 % minority of people whose dry AMD has turned wet, I am genetically predisposed since MC upended my mother's life overnight at the age of 61, after enjoying 20/20 vision tup to that point. I am 74 and my AMD has progressed much more slowly. Drusen was spotted at least 10 years ago, at which time I began AREDS 2. I was diagnosed with AMD seven years ago at age 67. My right eye, in which I've always had 20/800 vision became wet five years ago. Since then, I've been followed by a retina specialist every three months and have needed injections about 50% of the time. Unfortunately, my left eye, which I depend on exclusively, turned wet within 3 months of starting Zepbound, for which I've been started on a three month protocol of monthly injections. The second injection showed improvement; I will get the third in two weeks. The leakage has not effected my central vision, although it is close. The timing of Zepbound might be just a coincidence to a condition that was already in progress, but I can't afford to jeopardize vision in my one good eye. I would appreciate any feedback. Thank you!

  1. Hi . We don't have anything in our archives yet and the information I am finding online is mixed. It seems that too few studies have been done to reach any definitive conclusions. Zepbound works very differently than Ozempic, so it's possible the results Ozempic study won't be the same as the results of a Zepbound study. It will be interesting to hear what your retina specialist has to say. I hope you will keep us posted and that you will continue to see improvement in your wet AMD. Thinking of you and sending the best of all wishes your way. - Lori (Team Member)

  2. I'll post, once I hear from the retina specialist. I see them on May 6.

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