JAMA Ophthalmol

GLP-1 drugs linked to increased risk of neovascular AMD

June 11, 2025

Study details: This population-based cohort study used administrative health data from Ontario, Canada, to assess whether glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are associated with the development of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). The study included 46,334 patients exposed to GLP-1 RAs for at least six months, matched 1:2 with 92,668 unexposed diabetic controls.

Results: Over a mean follow-up of 2.4 years, patients taking GLP-1 RAs for at least 6 months had a significantly higher incidence of nAMD compared with controls (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.65–2.96). However, the absolute risk was small, reaching 0.2% at 3 years among GLP-1 RA users and 0.1% among non-users.

Clinical impact: These findings raise important safety considerations for long-term GLP-1 RA use, particularly in older adults at risk for AMD. Weigh the ocular risks when prescribing GLP-1 RAs and consider regular ophthalmologic monitoring for patients on prolonged therapy.

Source:

Shor R, et al. (2025, June 5). JAMA Ophthalmol. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40471562/