Study investigates relationship between GLP-1 agonists and macular degeneration

A recent study explored the relationship between the use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and the incidence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in adults with diabetes. The research, published in the journal Ophthalmology Retina, used data from electronic health records to compare patients who started using GLP-1RA with those who used other non-insulin antidiabetics. Over 5 million patients were analyzed, excluding those with prior AMD or anti-VEGF treatment ¹.

The results indicated that the use of GLP-1RA was associated with a lower cumulative incidence of AMD over different periods. After one year, the incidence was 0.187% in the GLP-1RA group compared to 0.294% in the control group. After five years, the values were 0.924% and 1.278%, respectively. After ten years, the incidence was 5.561% for GLP-1RA users and 6.540% for the control group ¹.

Another study, presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, also investigated this association. Initially, the raw data suggested an increased risk of AMD with the use of GLP-1RA. However, after adjustments for cardiometabolic variables, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, this association was reversed. This indicates that underlying health factors may influence the observed outcomes ².

The researchers highlighted the importance of considering health conditions associated with diabetes when evaluating the risks of AMD. They hope that these findings will encourage more rigorous studies on the relationship between GLP-1 medications and macular degeneration, taking into account other underlying health conditions ².