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What We Know About CBD for Macular Degeneration (AMD)
What We Know About CBD for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Health Line

time05-07-2025

  • Health
  • Health Line

What We Know About CBD for Macular Degeneration (AMD)

CBD has similar pain-relieving effects to THC but isn't psychoactive. Early research suggests CBD may help AMD, but it is not endorsed by doctors. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in the United States, with age and family being primary risk factors. While healthcare professionals do not currently recommend cannabis and CBD as a treatment option for macular degeneration or other eye health issues, ongoing research suggests it may one day be a possible treatment option for some people with this eye condition. Do CBD treatments help with macular degeneration? About macular degeneration treatments There are two kinds of age-related macular degeneration. Dry AMD is more common. Treatment for dry AMD includes taking specific nutritional supplements and using low-vision aids. Wet AMD is not as common, but it's more treatable. Treatments include anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) eye injections and light therapy. Generally, cannabis use is linked to lowered eye pressure and is known to help lower inflammation throughout the body. Some people with AMD have reported anecdotal benefits from CBD use. This 2022 research in the United Kingdom (IK) does indicate that CBD may possibly lower the risk of this eye condition. However, there's not enough medical research overall to support CBD as a treatment for any type of AMD. In the UK study looking at people who'd used marijuana (including CBD) more than 100 times, they did see a lower risk for AMD. But the research also indicated people experienced higher rates of blood vessel loss, possibly leading to AMD development sooner for younger people. Research on this topic has also found that many forms of CBD can't be easily administered as treatments for eye conditions. For instance, CBD oils aren't the right consistency to be made into eye drops. Can you use CBD for other eye conditions? CBD is known to have an effect on eye pressure, which could be a meaningful benefit for acute or chronic eye conditions. For example, glaucoma is an eye condition that can lead to permanent vision loss, but it has a different cause than AMD. It's often caused by a buildup of eye pressure on your optic nerve (it sends visual information from your eyes to your brain). Lowering eye pressure could potentially lower the risk of glaucoma and help treat active cases. But research is conflicting and shows there may also be side effects of using CBD for glaucoma or other eye conditions, including mental health concerns, vision changes such as color blindness, retinal deterioration, and optic nerve damage. No enough research exists to support CBD as a treatment for eye pressure or as a way to lower the risk of either glaucoma or AMD. Results are conflicting. A 2018 study found that CBD (cannabidiol) eye drops increased eye pressure in rats. But the same study found that THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) eye drops reduced eye pressure by up to 30%. Treatment of AMD and glaucoma isn't the only possible eye-health-related use of CBD. Research is also being done into the use of CBD to help treat: diabetic retinopathy eye inflammation corneal inflammation eye pain Additional research is needed to determine if CBD or THC could be used in glaucoma or AMD treatment and prevention. Right now neither is approved for managing these conditions. Traditional AMD treatments Traditional, scientifically backed AMD treatment regimens depend on the type of AMD you have. They may include. Anti-VEGF injections: These injections are the most common treatment for wet AMD. They stop the growth of eye blood vessels and can prevent and possibly reverse vision loss. Light therapy: Known as photodynamic therapy, this treatment type may also be used to target and destroy blood vessels. Nutritional supplements: A combination of nutritional supplements known as the AREDS2 formula has been shown to help prevent further vision loss due to dry AMD. However, these supplements aren't proven to lower the chance of AMD onset overall. Low vision aids: These can help with any vision loss you experience due to either form of AMD or another condition. They are an essential tool in managing dry AMD. An eye doctor can help you determine the best options for you. Options may include wearing glasses, using a magnifying glass, large print materials, and an array of computer programs or mobile apps. How can you prevent macular degeneration? AMD is tied to multiple risk factors, many of which you can't control including age and genetics passed down through families. However, you can practice habits to support good eye health, which benefits your eyes lifelong. These may include: Getting regular eye exams. Don't smoke or quit smoking. Getting regular physical activity. Eating certain foods that may help your eye health, including low cholesterol foods.

Why you should always wear sunglasses every time you step outside – as eye expert warns of skin cancer risk
Why you should always wear sunglasses every time you step outside – as eye expert warns of skin cancer risk

The Sun

time11-06-2025

  • Health
  • The Sun

Why you should always wear sunglasses every time you step outside – as eye expert warns of skin cancer risk

AN eye expert has warned why you should wear sunglasses every time you step outside - not doing so could risk serious conditions like cataracts and skin cancer. With 52 per cent only popping on sunglasses when it's sunny, eye care expert Ayad Shafiq warns that those who save sunnies for the summer are putting their vision at risk. 1 The poll of 2,000 adults also found just 36 per cent wear shades when the skies are overcast, with only 24 per cent wearing them throughout the year. And this is despite UV rays being able to penetrate cloud cover and reflect off surfaces like water, sand and snow. Ayad Shafiq, the cataract clinical lead from Newmedica, commented on the study commissioned by Specsavers: 'Protecting your eyes from UV rays is essential to reduce the long-term risk of serious conditions such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyelids. 'Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats can significantly lower this risk. 'However, it's important to note that individuals with existing cataracts or macular degeneration often require enhanced lighting to see clearly, so their need for light must be balanced carefully with UV protection. 'Consulting an eye care professional can help tailor the right approach for each individual.' Worryingly, nearly one in five (18 per cent) mistakenly believe darker lenses provide better protection – when in fact, UV defence has nothing to do with the tint of the lens. As a result, 23 per cent have bought sunglasses under this misconception. A quarter wrongly believe sunglasses block all types of light damage, while 22 per cent assume they never expire – both of which are false. In fact, eight per cent admit they rarely wear sunglasses even when it is sunny. Among these, 32 per cent say it's simply not a habit they've picked up, and 26 per cent find them inconvenient due to wearing prescription glasses. When it comes to choosing new shades, Brits typically spend less than 30 minutes researching the right pair. Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) admit they don't wear them often enough to justify putting much effort into the decision. Over half (55 per cent) of these want a pair that suits their face shape, and 47 per cent feel more confident when they like how they look in sunglasses. Whereas it is essential for 31 per cent to match them with their personal style, according to the data conducted via OnePoll. That said, many Brits are aware of the potential long-term damage UV rays can cause – with retinal damage (41 per cent), photokeratitis (29 per cent) and cataracts (27 per cent) rated most highly. However, over a third (36 per cent) don't associate cataracts with UV exposure, believing the condition is purely age-related. And 32 per cent say they've never seen any public health messaging linking the two. According to the research, nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) admit they don't know much about cataracts – even though 56 per centare worried about developing them.

Life felt dark when I began losing my sight. A stranger opened my eyes to a brighter future
Life felt dark when I began losing my sight. A stranger opened my eyes to a brighter future

CBC

time08-06-2025

  • Health
  • CBC

Life felt dark when I began losing my sight. A stranger opened my eyes to a brighter future

Social Sharing This First Person column is written by Deepinder Singh, who goes by the name Deepi, and who lives in Regina. For more information about First Person stories, see the FAQ. I couldn't see what was right around the corner as I sat at the doctor's office, with the optometrist running through some vision tests. I'd booked this appointment after a long time noticing it had become a struggle to see parts of words and sentences. Google had told me the symptoms were similar to cataracts, so I didn't feel there was a big worry or hurry. "Well doctor, is it cataract?" I asked, with the cocky attitude of a kid who trusts Google more than a scientist or doctor. "No," he answered, explaining that I was experiencing macular degeneration. "To put it in simple words, you have holes in your retina." He went on to tell me there was no treatment. My wife and I were stunned. I had a healthy lifestyle and was on no medication. How could this happen to me? As she drove me home, I looked out the window and saw the vast stretches of land that had lost all their colour in the short time we had spent at the optometrist's. I stared at the endless sky — so much like my seemingly never-ending life, which would be restricted now by failing eyesight. Anita, my wife, broke the silence, saying, "Don't worry, I'll be your eyes." She had always been supportive and encouraged me in everything, through all our moves and work in countries from India to Muscat, to our decision to come and join our daughter in Canada in 2018. But despite her support, she could not help me here — eyes were not something we could share. The spectre of total blindness haunted me. I did not want to be dependent on others or be an object of their pity. Then one evening after a visit with friends, my wife was driving us home while I admired the golden sunset and the green fields with a few buildings in the distance. It occurred to me that if the buildings were closer, they would block my view of the beautiful evening sky. In that moment, I had an epiphany: if I could see my vision loss as something in the distance, I would still be able to see the beautiful landscape of my life. I had been blessed with good health to that point. I'd had the good fortune to have seen the living skies of Saskatchewan, the unending stretches of sand when travelling by road from Muscat to Dubai, the quaint town of Winchester in England, the Valley of Flowers In India where the sweet intoxicating smell of the flowers made some people faint. Yes, I had been blessed! I began talking to people more and started using the bus frequently. It was on the bus one cold wintry day when I struck up a conversation with a young man, who sat down near me with the help of his dog and his white cane. "I've seen you a couple of times on this bus before, but there used to be a lady with you," I said, striking up a conversation. "Yes," he replied, "she's my wife. She generally comes with me, if she's free." As we continued to talk, he told me he had been born blind and was very good at using assistive technology, which helped him to continue working. His confidence was an inspiration for me. The world might have seen him as having no sight, but this stranger provided me with hope and a vision for the future. I am now in touch with some organizations that help the visually impaired and people with other disabilities to get jobs or to start their own business. I know there are many rivers to cross — my advancing age, my continual vision loss, and the fact that my past work experiences had been in countries like Dubai and India, rather than in Canada. However, I am hopeful. Very hopeful. When the time comes, I will find employment or start my own business. While I work hard and wait for that to happen, I will enjoy the heavenly beauty around me throughout the year — the colourful leaves of fall, the pure white blankets of snow and the icicles on the trees shining like diamonds in the bright sunlight. I will enjoy the beauty of summer nights with its sparkling stars. I won't let the possibility of the obstacles in the distance ruin my joy in the beauty around me, or the life I am capable of living in the here and now.

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet-AMD) Drugs Market 2034: Clinical Trials, EMA, PDMA, FDA Approvals, Medication, Therapies, Statistics, Revenue, Prevalence, and Companies by DelveInsight
Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet-AMD) Drugs Market 2034: Clinical Trials, EMA, PDMA, FDA Approvals, Medication, Therapies, Statistics, Revenue, Prevalence, and Companies by DelveInsight

Globe and Mail

time06-06-2025

  • Business
  • Globe and Mail

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet-AMD) Drugs Market 2034: Clinical Trials, EMA, PDMA, FDA Approvals, Medication, Therapies, Statistics, Revenue, Prevalence, and Companies by DelveInsight

Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Companies are Boehringer Ingelheim, Tyrogenex, Regenxbio, Ribomic, Outlook Therapeutics, Gemini Therapeutics, AiViva BioPharma, Opthea Limited, Iconic Therapeutics, Huabo Biopharm, Alkahest, IVERIC bio (formerly Ophthotech Corporation), Curacle, Dobecure, RemeGen, Isarna Therapeutics, Bio-Thera Solutions, Kodiak Sciences, AngioLab Inc, and others. (Albany, USA) DelveInsight's ' Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast-2034 ' report delivers an in-depth understanding of the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration, historical and forecasted epidemiology as well as the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration market trends in the United States, EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and United Kingdom) and Japan. The Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration market report provides current treatment practices, emerging drugs, the market share of the individual therapies, and the current and forecasted Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented by seven major markets. The Report also covers current Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration treatment practice/algorithm, market drivers, market barriers, and unmet medical needs to curate the best opportunities and assesses the underlying potential of the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration market. Key Takeaways from the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Report In May 2025, Kodiak Sciences Inc announced results of a Prospective, Randomized, Double-masked, Active Comparator-controlled, Multi-center, Three-arm Phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Tarcocimab Tedromer and Tabirafusp Tedromer Compared With Intravitreal Aflibercept in Participants With Neovascular (Wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (wAMD) In May 2025, NexThera Co., Ltd announced results of a Randomized, Open-Label, Parallel-group, Multicenter Phase 1/2 Study to Evaluate the Safety and Exploratory Efficacy of NT-101 Topical Ophthalmic Solution in Patients With Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) In April 2025, Kodiak Sciences Inc. announced phase 3 Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intravitreal Tarcocimab Tedromer and Tabirafusp Tedromer Compared With Intravitreal Aflibercept in Participants With Neovascular (Wet) Age-related Macular Degeneration (wAMD) In the assessment done by DelveInsight, the estimated total diagnosed prevalent cases of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in the 7MM were nearly 40 million in 2023. The highest total diagnosed prevalent cases of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) were accounted by the US in 2023 (~14 million), which are expected to show a rise in the future. Among the European countries, Germany had the highest diagnosed prevalent cases of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) with ~6 million cases in 2023. On the other hand, Spain had the lowest prevalent population (~2 million cases). Japan had nearly 8 million total diagnosed prevalent cases of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in 2023, accounting for approximately 21% in 7MM. Based on age-specific segmentation, the people in the age group of 70-79 were affected the most by Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) in the US, accounting for approximately 406 thousand cases in 2023. The DelveInsight analysis indicates that in Japan, there are more number of cases of people with Dry AMD than people with Wet AMD, with approximately 90% of total cases and 10% of cases in 2023. Among the European countries, Germany had the highest diagnosed prevalent cases of Wet AMD with ~595 thousand cases, followed by France, which had prevalent population of ~389 thousand in 2023. On the other hand, Spain had the lowest prevalent population (~160 thousand cases). Japan had ~840 thousand total diagnosed prevalent cases of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet AMD) in 2023, accounting for approximately 21% in 7MM. In 2023, in the US, the age-specific diagnosed prevalent cases of Wet AMD were highest for age group 70-79 (~407 thousand), followed by 60-69 (~393 thousand), =80 (~304 thousand), and 50-59 (~252 thousand). The increase in Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Size is a direct consequence of the increasing patient population and anticipated launch of emerging therapies in the 7MM. As per DelveInsight analysis, the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market is anticipated to witness growth at a considerable CAGR. The leading Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Tyrogenex, Regenxbio, Ribomic, Outlook Therapeutics, Gemini Therapeutics, AiViva BioPharma, Opthea Limited, Iconic Therapeutics, Huabo Biopharm, Alkahest, IVERIC bio (formerly Ophthotech Corporation), Curacle, Dobecure, RemeGen, Isarna Therapeutics, Bio-Thera Solutions, Kodiak Sciences, AngioLab Inc, and others. Promising Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pipeline Therapies such as RGX-314, Tarcocimab tedromer, Aflibercept, KSI-301, Eyp-1901, ALK4290, and others. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Epidemiology Segmentation in the 7MM The epidemiology section of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration offers insights into both historical and current patient populations, as well as forecasted trends across seven major countries. This section aids in understanding the factors behind present and projected trends through analysis of various studies and input from key opinion leaders. Additionally, this portion of the market report provides information on the diagnosed patient pool, trends, and underlying assumptions. Download the report to understand which factors are driving Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Epidemiology trends @ Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Marketed Drugs • BEOVU (Brolucizumab): Novartis BEOVU (Brolucizumab), developed by Novartis, is a potent anti-VEGF treatment used for Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Wet-AMD). It works by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor, reducing abnormal blood vessel growth and fluid leakage in the retina. BEOVU offers a longer dosing interval, allowing up to 12-week dosing schedules. • EYLEA (aflibercept): Regeneron Pharmaceuticals EYLEA, developed by Regeneron, is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wet-AMD), diabetic eye disease, and other retinal issues. The drug, aflibercept, is an injectable treatment that slows vision loss by blocking abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye. EYLEA works as a soluble decoy receptor, inhibiting VEGF-A and PlGF to prevent abnormal blood vessel formation. The standard dosage is 2 mg every 4 weeks for the first 3 months, then every 8 weeks. Regeneron is currently testing less frequent dosing and higher doses in ongoing phase III trials. • VABYSMO (faricimab): Roche/ Genentech, Inc. VABYSMO (faricimab) is the first bispecific antibody designed for the eye. It targets and inhibits two signalling pathways linked to a number of vision-threatening retinal conditions by neutralizing angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A). Ang-2 and VEGF-A contribute to vision loss by destabilizing blood vessels, causing new leaky blood vessels to form and increasing inflammation. By blocking both pathways involving Ang-2 and VEGF-A, VABYSMO is designed to stabilize blood vessels. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Emerging Drugs • OPT-302: Opthea Limited OPT-302 (sVEGFR-3) is the first 'Trap' inhibitor of VEGF-C and VEGF-D designed specifically for the eye. OPT-302 blocks the two members of the VEGF family which cause blood vessels to grow and leak. Aberrant blood vessel growth and vascular leakage are hallmarks of several eye diseases, including wet AMD and DME. In combination with anti-VEGF-A therapies, OPT-302 completely shuts-down VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 activity and targets mechanisms of resistance and suboptimal clinical response to existing therapies. • KSI-501: Kodiak Sciences Inc. KSI-501 is a novel anti-VEGF biologic designed to rapidly inhibit VEGF and provide extended durability of action to reduce the burden of frequent anti-VEGF injections. Delivering potent and sustained VEGF inhibition enables patient compliance, results in long-term efficacy, and improves visual acuity outcomes. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Outlook Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wet AMD) is a progressive eye condition characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels beneath the retina, which can lead to severe vision loss. Treatment aims to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and preserve vision. The primary therapeutic approach for wet AMD is anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. These medications, including ranibizumab (LUCENTIS), aflibercept (EYLEA), and brolucizumab (BEOVU), work by inhibiting VEGF, a protein that promotes the growth of abnormal blood vessels. Administered via intravitreal injections, these drugs reduce fluid leakage and vascular growth, stabilizing or improving vision in many patients. The Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration (wAMD) market is driven by several key factors, including the rising prevalence of the disease due to an aging global population, increased awareness and early diagnosis, and ongoing advancements in treatment options such as anti-VEGF therapies and emerging gene therapies. Additionally, robust research pipelines, growing healthcare expenditure, and supportive government initiatives further contribute to market growth. However, the market also faces notable barriers, such as the high cost of treatment, limited accessibility in low-income regions, the need for frequent intravitreal injections, and challenges in achieving long-term efficacy and patient adherence. Moreover, competition among therapeutic alternatives and the complex nature of drug development for retinal diseases can also hinder market expansion. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Drugs Uptake The drug chapter of the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration report provides a comprehensive analysis of both marketed drugs and late-stage pipeline drugs for this condition. It delves into the details of clinical trials, pharmacological actions, agreements, collaborations, approvals, patents, and advantages, and disadvantages of each drug, as well as the latest news and press releases related to Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Major Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Companies are Opthea Limited (ASX: OPT), Outlook Therapeutics (NASDAQ: OTLK), Kodiak Sciences (NASDAQ: KOD), Regenxbio (NASDAQ: RGNX), Dobecure (Private), Gemini Therapeutics (NASDAQ: GMTX), Huabo Biopharm (Private), Isarna Therapeutics (Private), IVERIC bio (NASDAQ: ISEE), Ribomic (TYO: 4591), Curacle (KOSDAQ: 301300), Bio-Thera Solutions (SHA: 688177), AngioLab Inc. (KOSDAQ: 251280), Alkahest (Acquired by Grifols – BME: GRF), Tyrogenex (Private), Iconic Therapeutics (Private), AiViva BioPharma (Private), Boehringer Ingelheim (Private), RemeGen (HKEX: 9995, SHA: 688331), and others Scope of the Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Report Coverage- 7MM Study Period- 2020-2034 Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Companies- Boehringer Ingelheim, Tyrogenex, Regenxbio, Ribomic, Outlook Therapeutics, Gemini Therapeutics, AiViva BioPharma, Opthea Limited, Iconic Therapeutics, Huabo Biopharm, Alkahest, IVERIC bio (formerly Ophthotech Corporation), Curacle, Dobecure, RemeGen, Isarna Therapeutics, Bio-Thera Solutions, Kodiak Sciences, AngioLab Inc, and others. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Pipeline Therapies- RGX-314, Tarcocimab tedromer, Aflibercept, KSI-301, Eyp-1901, ALK4290, and others. Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Dynamics: Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Drivers and Barriers Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Market Access and Reimbursement, Unmet Needs and Future Perspectives Discover more about Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Drugs in development @ Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration Clinical Trials Assessment and FDA Approvals Table of Content 1 Key Insights 2 Report Introduction 3 Wet AMD Market Overview at a Glance 4 Wet AMD Market: Future Perspective 5 Executive Summary 6 Key Events 7 Disease Background and Overview 8 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9 Patient Journey 10 Marketed Drugs 11 Emerging Drugs of Wet AMD 12 Wet AMD: Market Analysis 13 Key Opinion Leaders' Views 14 SWOT Analysis 15 Unmet Needs 16 Market Access and Reimbursement 17 Appendix 18 DelveInsight Capabilities 19 Disclaimer About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading healthcare-focused market research and consulting firm that provides clients with high-quality market intelligence and analysis to support informed business decisions. With a team of experienced industry experts and a deep understanding of the life sciences and healthcare sectors, we offer customized research solutions and insights to clients across the globe. Connect with us to get high-quality, accurate, and real-time intelligence to stay ahead of the growth curve. Media Contact Company Name: DelveInsight Business Research LLP Contact Person: Ankit Nigam Email: Send Email Phone: +14699457679 Address: 304 S. Jones Blvd #2432 City: Albany State: New York Country: United States Website:

Weight loss drugs linked to higher risk of eye damage in diabetic patients
Weight loss drugs linked to higher risk of eye damage in diabetic patients

The Guardian

time05-06-2025

  • Business
  • The Guardian

Weight loss drugs linked to higher risk of eye damage in diabetic patients

Weight loss drugs could at least double the risk of diabetic patients developing age-related macular degeneration, a large-scale study has found. Originally developed for diabetes patients, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medicines have transformed how obesity is treated and there is growing evidence of wider health benefits. They help reduce blood sugar levels, slow digestion and reduce appetite. But a study by Canadian scientists published in Jama Ophthalmology has found that after six months of use GLP-1 RAs are associated with double the risk of older people with diabetes developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared with similar patients not taking the drugs. Academics at the University of Toronto examined medical data for more than 1 million Ontario residents with a diagnosis of diabetes and identified 46,334 patients with an average age of 66 who were prescribed GLP-1 RAs. Nearly all (97.5%) were taking semaglutide, while 2.5% were on lixisenatide. The study did not exclude any specific brand of drugs, but since Wegovy was only approved in Canada in November 2021, primarily for weight loss, it is likely the bulk of semaglutide users in the study were taking Ozempic, which is prescribed for diabetes. Each patient on semaglutide or lixisenatide was matched with two patients who also had diabetes but were not taking the drugs, who shared similar characteristics such as age, gender and health conditions. The researchers then compared how many patients developed neovascular age-related macular degeneration over three years. The study found that those who had been taking semaglutide or lixisenatide for at least six months had twice the risk of developing macular degeneration, compared with similar patients who were not taking the drugs. Patients who had been taking GLP-1s for more than 30 months had more than three times the risk. Diabetic patients who were older and/or had had a stroke had an even higher risk of developing macular degeneration if they were on these drugs, the authors found. Marko Popovic, a co-author of the study and physician in the department of ophthalmology and vision sciences at the University of Toronto, said: 'GLP-1 receptor agonists appear to have multiple effects on the eye, and in the case of neovascular age-related macular degeneration the overall impact may be harmful. 'Based on our data, I would advise exercising particular caution when prescribing GLP-1 receptor agonists to older [diabetic] patients or those with a history of stroke, as both groups were found to have an even higher risk of developing [the condition].' In an accompanying editorial, Brian VanderBeek, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, said the findings suggested that large numbers of patients could be affected. 'This suggests as many as one in 1,000 GLP-1 RA users could progress to new age-related macular degenaration over unexposed patients: if this risk was carried over millions of users, those affected could end up being a sizable group of patients,' he said. VanderBeek said work needed to be done to determine if this only affects patients with diabetes or if those taking these drugs for weight management or other indications are similarly at risk. 'While certainly not outweighing the good these medications offer, prescribing physicians need to keep in mind the real and serious ocular adverse events that may occur.' A spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, which manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy, said: 'Patient safety is our top priority and we take any report about an adverse event related to the use of our medicines very seriously. We work closely with authorities and regulatory bodies from around the world to continuously monitor the safety profile of our products. 'These medicines have been extensively examined in Novo Nordisk's robust clinical development programs, including randomised controlled trials, which to date have not shown any observable treatment difference compared to placebo for macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration. Therefore, Novo Nordisk does not conclude a causal relationship between GLP-1 RA use, semaglutide and age-related macular degeneration at this time.' Dr Alison Cave, the chief safety officer of the MHRA, a UK watchdog, said: 'Macular degeneration is not currently listed as a potential side-effect of these medicines. However, we keep the safety of these medicines under close review, including emerging evidence from scientific publications, and will take appropriate action where necessary. On the basis of the current evidence, the benefits of GLP-1 RAs outweigh the potential risks when used for the licensed indications.'

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