Background
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, or GLP-1RA, widely used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes and, in some settings, to support weight management. Because GLP-1RAs can produce rapid improvements in glycemic control and may influence vascular biology, questions have been raised about whether semaglutide could affect eye health, including the risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, or NVAMD.
NVAMD is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration in which abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision. These fragile vessels can leak fluid or blood, leading to distortion of vision and sometimes severe central vision loss. Although NVAMD is not a classic complication of diabetes, it is a major retinal disease with important public health implications, especially in older adults.
