Non arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy in a patient taking semaglutide: Is there a relation? A case report and a review of the literature

Abstract

IntroductionThe glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) such as Semaglutide, have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.Case desciptionThe aim of the present study was to report a case of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) occurring in a diabetic patient taking Semaglutide and to review the literature in order to find a possible relation between the ophthalmological event and the drug intake.DiscussionAlthough the clinical trials of Semaglutide did not report any significant increase in the risk of NAION, a recent retrospective cohort study suggested a possible association between NAION and GLP-1 RAs. After this publication, the association between NAION and Semaglutide became an hot topic and several studies were published, presenting conflicting results.Conclusion and ImportanceAlbeit the association between the use of GLP-1 RAs and NAION, to date, remain controversial, clinicians and ophthalmologists should be aware of such possible association to analyze for each patient the risk-benefit ratio.

Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs); case report NAION; non-artehritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION); semaglutide.