Ozempic and Diabetic Retinopathy? -Dr. Shani Esparaz

Dr. Shani Esparaz discusses how #Ozempic or glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) can worsen diabetic retinopathy. (DR) According to a real-world analysis presented at the FLORetina-ICOOR meeting by Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD, there was no difference in clinical worsening of DR between patients treated with Ozempic (semaglutide, Novo Nordisk) vs. a control group.1 Dr. Esparaz says, in the #retina we often do not see changes until 5-10 years down the line. There is conflicting evidence and some studies do show worsening of DR. Because of this, it is important to monitor diabetic patients and encourage yearly eye exams. References: 1. Rachitskaya A. (November 30 – December 3, 2023) Diabetic retinopathy and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Presented at: FLORetina-ICOOR; Rome, Italy 2. Ishani Kapoor, Swara M. Sarvepalli, David D’Alessio, Dilraj S. Grewal, Majda Hadziahmetovic, GLP-1 receptor agonists and diabetic retinopathy: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, Survey of Ophthalmology, Volume 68, Issue 6, 2023, Pages 1071-1083 Disclosures: None #eyehealth #diabeticretinopathy #eyecare #ophthalmology #optometry