theconnectionsnj.com PAGE 54 DINING OUT HEALTH & WELLNESS . What are these weight loss drugs everyone is talking about? A. The diabetes drug semaglutide has been making headline news ever since the medication received FDA approval to help with blood sugar control and obesity treatment. Semaglutide medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Q. How does semaglutide work? A. Semaglutide helps people lose weight and control their blood sugar by releasing the hormone that makes us feel full while eating. This hormone, called GLP1, also prompts the body to create more insulin, which reduces blood sugar. Q. How does this affect the eyes? A. When the body experiences a change in sugar level, it can affect the shape of the eye’s lens. This change is what causes blurry vision, a side effect of semaglutide. Older patients are more likely to experience blurred vision when beginning the medication. This is because the eye’s lens becomes less flexible as we age, so vision takes longer to stabilize when the body experiences these changes in blood sugar levels. The good news is that this is a temporary side effect, usually subsiding after three or four months. Q. Can semaglutide cause blindness? A. One new study suggests there may be a connection between semaglutide use and increased risk for a rare, blinding eye disease called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). But experts say there isn’t enough data yet to suggest patients should be concerned or should stop taking their medications. People who have diabetes are already at risk for NAION, whether they use semaglutide or not. Q. I have type 2 diabetes and already have diabetic retinopathy. Should I take semaglutide? A. Semaglutide can significantly help people with diabetes to control their blood sugar, which is a tremendous benefit. But the studies also showed it can cause worsening of diabetic retinopathy and macular complications. If your physician has prescribed semaglutide for you, be sure to inform your eye doctor that you are taking this medication. You will need to get your eyes checked regularly so your eye doctor can track any vision changes and recommend potential treatments. Researchers are working to learn more about the long-term effects of semaglutide on diabetic retinopathy in people with type 2 diabetes. A study known as FOCUS will evaluate the effects of semaglutide in addition to diabetes medication on diabetic retinopathy. The study is expected to conclude in February 2027. Q. I am not diabetic and would like to lose weight. Should I take semaglutide? A. Your primary care physician can help you decide if semaglutide is right for you. While it can help avoid overeating, it is not a substitute for taking care of your overall health. You still need to eat well, exercise, and keep your medical appointments as advised. There is also the cost of semaglutide to consider, as your health insurer may not cover it for weight loss. 400 Main Street, Bedminster • 908-781-2020 Teaneck Eye and Laser Center • 201-833-8333 Weight Loss Drugs and How They Affect Your Eyes By Lawrence V. Najarian, MD and Lisa Ortenzio, OD ASK THE EYE DOCTOR Q. The Optical Shoppe at Bedminster Eye 400 Main Street, Bedminster, NJ 07921 Monday 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Tuesday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Saturday 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM Email: optical.bedminstereye@comcast.net • (908) 719-2020 Maui Jim • Ray-Ban • Fysh • Tom Ford • Kliik • Lightec • Flexon • Oakley Silhouette • Kate Spade • Longchamp • Salvatore Ferragamo NIKE • Calvin Klein • Pro Design • STATE We accept VSP and most EyeMed Plans ADD a Pair & SAVE! Get 50% off 2nd Pair of Prescription Glasses Cannot be combined with other offers or insurance See optician for details Expires 1/31/26 Excludes Maui Jim Our mission is to provide everything you need for your best vision, from the latest in advances in medical & surgical care to selecting the right eyeglasses. Schedule an appointment today & use your end-of-year vision benefits. We Have The Latest Styles! Find Your Perfect Frames! Please scan the QR code to visit our eyeglass gallery!
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