Ocular disorders during treatment with GLP-1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.

Anatriello A, Liguori V, Cagnotta C, Pentella C, Scavone C, Capuano A, Rinaldi B

Frontiers in pharmacology2 Jun 2026

PMID42311413PMCIDPMC13269103DOI10.3389/fphar.2026.1808359PepBankPUB-42311413

Summary

IntroductionDifferent observational studies have analyzed the effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) on the risk of ocular adverse events (AEs). The present meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of GLP-1 RAs on the risk of ocular AEs, including retinopathy, glaucoma, and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 2006 to 2025. Studies involving individuals diagnosed with diabetes and/or obesity and overweight, receiving GLP-1 RAs, and evaluating outcomes related to ocular AEs were included. A random-effect meta-analysis approach was used. This study followed the PRISMA statement.ResultsA total of 28 observational studies (6 for semaglutide and 22 for all GLP-1 RAs) involving T2DM patients were included. When compared to other antidiabetic treatments, GLP-1 RAs did not increase the risk of developing ocular disorders such as NAION (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.62-1.64; I², 89%), glaucoma (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-1.00; I², 91%), and retinopathy (new onset or progression) [(HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85-1.08; I², 91%) (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.83-1.14; I², 65%)].ConclusionEven if no difference was observed between GLP-1 RAs and other antidiabetic medications for all safety outcomes evaluated, it is optimal to monitor the administration of these molecules.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251080120, identifier CRD420251080120.

CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study3

No result from this study comes from a test of the peptide.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone3

In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Semaglutide.

01HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In patients with type 2 diabetes, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) did not increase the risk of NAION versus other antidiabetic treatments.
In plain wordsIn type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not raise the risk of an optic nerve disease versus other diabetes drugs.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
No significant changeNon-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy risk
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Other antidiabetic treatments
Outcome group
Adverse events · Eye
Measurements
Risk ratio
1.01
NAION
Source sentences
Summary
GLP-1 RAs did not increase the risk of developing ocular disorders such as NAION (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.62-1.64
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 2006 to 2025.
Summary · context
Studies involving individuals diagnosed with diabetes and/or obesity and overweight, receiving GLP-1 RAs, and evaluating outcomes related to ocular AEs were included.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4231141301
02HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In patients with type 2 diabetes, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) did not increase the risk of glaucoma versus other antidiabetic treatments.
In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not raise the risk of glaucoma compared with other diabetes drugs.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
No significant changeGlaucoma risk
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Other antidiabetic treatments
Outcome group
Adverse events · Eye
Measurements
Hazard ratio
0.84
glaucoma
Source sentences
Summary
glaucoma (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.71-1.00
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 2006 to 2025.
Summary · context
Studies involving individuals diagnosed with diabetes and/or obesity and overweight, receiving GLP-1 RAs, and evaluating outcomes related to ocular AEs were included.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4231141302
03HumanNot a test of Semaglutide aloneSystematic reviewSafety outcome
In patients with type 2 diabetes, pooled GLP-1 receptor agonists (including semaglutide) did not increase the risk of retinopathy, new onset or progression, versus other antidiabetic treatments.
In plain wordsIn people with type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 drugs as a group did not raise the risk of eye retinopathy compared with other diabetes drugs.
Peptide
Semaglutide
Outcome
No significant changeRetinopathy (new onset or progression) risk
Study
n: not reported in source
Comparator
Other antidiabetic treatments
Outcome group
Adverse events · Eye
Measurements
Hazard ratio
0.96
retinopathy estimate 1
Hazard ratio
0.97
retinopathy estimate 2
Source sentences
Summary
retinopathy (new onset or progression) [(HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.85-1.08; I², 91%) (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.83-1.14
2 context sentences(design, population, supporting numbers)
Summary · context
A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from 2006 to 2025.
Summary · context
Studies involving individuals diagnosed with diabetes and/or obesity and overweight, receiving GLP-1 RAs, and evaluating outcomes related to ocular AEs were included.
In this study, Semaglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Semaglutide.
Show in the study text Report a problemFND-4231141303

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Version 2Current
11 Oct 2026, 00:04 UTC
Study results updated
Version 1
9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC
First added · source update from Europe PMC

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