TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) GLP-1 Eye Safety Update: What Patients Need to Know
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced an important class-wide safety update for GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) following international reviews of emerging evidence linking these medicines with a very rare eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The update, published on 23 July 2026, requires Australian Product Information and Consumer Medicine Information for all GLP-1 receptor agonists to include warnings about this rare condition.
For the vast majority of people taking GLP-1 medicines, the benefits continue to outweigh the risks. These medications remain highly effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity when prescribed appropriately. However, patients should understand the symptoms that require urgent medical assessment.
At Crown St Medical Centre in Surry Hills, our experienced GPs help patients make informed decisions about weight management, diabetes treatment and medication safety. If you are taking a GLP-1 medication and have concerns about your vision, we recommend arranging a prompt medical review.
What Are GLP-1 Receptor Agonists?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are prescription medicines that mimic the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1, helping regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. For more information regarding GLP-1 receptor Agonists, read some of our earlier article titled ‘injectable-weight-loss-medications-what-you-need-to-know-in-2025‘ and ‘Injectable Weight Loss Medications and New Oral GLP-1 Medications: a 2026 Update‘
Common GLP-1 medicines available in Australia include:
- Ozempic® (semaglutide)
- Wegovy® (semaglutide)
- Rybelsus® (oral semaglutide)
- Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
- Victoza® (liraglutide)
- Saxenda® (liraglutide)
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)*
*Although tirzepatide is technically a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist, similar precautions regarding visual symptoms may be considered in clinical practice.
These medications are commonly prescribed for:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Medical weight management
- Obesity
- Reducing cardiovascular risk in selected patients
What Has the TGA Updated?
Following reviews by international regulators and pharmacovigilance data, the TGA has introduced class-wide warnings regarding the rare occurrence of non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION).
The update means prescribing information now advises clinicians and patients to be aware of this potential adverse effect and to seek urgent assessment if sudden vision loss develops.
Importantly:
- NAION remains extremely rare.
- Most people taking GLP-1 medicines will never experience this complication.
- Patients should not stop their medication without medical advice.
What Is NAION?
Understanding Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy
NAION is a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.
The optic nerve carries visual information from the eye to the brain. If its blood supply is interrupted, permanent vision loss can occur.
NAION usually affects one eye but can occasionally occur in both eyes over time.
Symptoms typically develop suddenly and may include:
- Sudden painless loss of vision
- Blurred vision
- Missing areas within the visual field
- Reduced colour vision
- Difficulty seeing in dim light
Unlike many other eye conditions, NAION is generally painless.
How Common Is This Side Effect?
The reassuring news is that NAION appears to be very uncommon.
Even among millions of people worldwide using GLP-1 receptor agonists, only a very small number of cases have been reported.
Research continues to investigate:
- whether GLP-1 medicines directly increase risk,
- whether diabetes itself contributes,
- or whether other cardiovascular risk factors explain much of the association.
People with diabetes already have a higher baseline risk of eye disease and vascular complications, making it difficult to determine the exact contribution of medication alone.
Who May Be at Higher Risk?
Although more research is needed, recognised risk factors for NAION include:
Diabetes
People with diabetes already have an increased risk of optic nerve disease.
High Blood Pressure
Poorly controlled hypertension can affect blood vessels supplying the optic nerve.
High Cholesterol
Elevated cholesterol contributes to vascular disease.
Sleep Apnoea
Obstructive sleep apnoea has been consistently associated with NAION.
Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels and increases vascular risk.
Older Age
Most cases occur in adults over 50 years.
Previous NAION
Individuals who have previously experienced NAION may have a greater risk in the other eye.
Should You Stop Taking Ozempic or Other GLP-1 Medicines?
Do not stop your medication without speaking to your GP.
Stopping treatment suddenly may lead to:
- worsening diabetes
- elevated blood sugar levels
- weight regain
- increased cardiovascular risk
Instead, speak with your doctor about your individual risks and benefits.
At Crown St Medical Centre, we review each patient’s:
- medical history
- cardiovascular risk
- eye history
- diabetes control
- weight management goals
- current medications
to determine the safest ongoing treatment plan.
When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?
Seek immediate medical assessment if you develop:
Sudden vision loss
Any rapid reduction in vision requires urgent evaluation.
New blind spots
Missing areas of vision should never be ignored.
Sudden blurred vision
Especially if affecting only one eye.
Reduced colour vision
Colours appearing faded or different.
Visual field defects
Difficulty seeing objects to one side.
Prompt assessment by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, emergency department or GP is essential.
What Should Patients Taking GLP-1 Medicines Do?
Most patients simply need to remain informed.
We recommend:
- continue taking medication as prescribed
- attend regular diabetes reviews
- maintain routine diabetic eye examinations
- control blood pressure
- manage cholesterol
- stop smoking if applicable
- report any visual symptoms immediately
Balancing Benefits and Risks
While media headlines often focus on potential side effects, it is important to remember why GLP-1 medicines are widely used.
Large international studies have demonstrated important benefits including:
- improved blood glucose control
- significant weight loss
- reduced cardiovascular events
- lower risk of kidney disease progression in selected patients
- improved metabolic health
For appropriately selected patients, these benefits substantially outweigh the extremely small risk of NAION.
Treatment decisions should always be individualised.
How Crown St Medical Centre Can Help?
Whether you are already taking Ozempic, Wegovy or another GLP-1 medication—or considering starting treatment—our experienced GPs provide evidence-based, personalised care.
We regularly help patients with:
Weight Management
Medical assessment and personalised obesity treatment plans.
Diabetes Care
Comprehensive type 2 diabetes management.
Medication Reviews
Reviewing benefits, side effects and ongoing monitoring.
Chronic Disease Management
Long-term care for diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular risk.
Preventive Health
Reducing future complications through regular health checks.
Patients from Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Woollahra and Green Square choose Crown St Medical Centre for comprehensive, patient-centred healthcare close to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the new TGA warning about GLP-1 medicines?
The TGA has updated prescribing information to include warnings about the rare occurrence of NAION, a condition affecting the optic nerve that may cause sudden vision loss.
2. Should I stop Ozempic because of this warning?
No. Do not stop your medication without speaking to your GP. The overall benefits continue to outweigh the very small risk for most patients.
3. Which GLP-1 medicines are affected?
The warning applies across the GLP-1 receptor agonist class used in Australia, including semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide products.
4. How common is NAION?
It is considered a very rare adverse event.
5. What symptoms should I watch for?
Seek urgent medical attention if you experience sudden painless vision loss, blurred vision, missing areas of vision or changes in colour vision.
6. Can diabetes itself increase the risk?
Yes. Diabetes is an established risk factor for several eye conditions, including NAION.
7. Should I have regular eye checks?
Yes. People with diabetes should continue recommended diabetic eye examinations regardless of medication.
8. Can my GP help decide whether I should continue treatment?
Absolutely. Your GP can assess your overall health, review your medications and determine whether continuing treatment remains appropriate.
9. Are the benefits of GLP-1 medicines still greater than the risks?
For most patients, yes. These medicines remain among the most effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and obesity when used appropriately.
10. Where can I discuss my concerns?
Book an appointment with one of the experienced GPs at Crown St Medical Centre to discuss your individual risks, benefits and treatment options.
Book an Appointment at Crown St Medical Centre
If you are taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Victoza, Saxenda or another GLP-1 medicine and have questions about the recent TGA safety update, our experienced GPs are here to help.
We provide personalised advice based on your medical history, current medications and overall health goals. Whether you need a medication review, diabetes management plan or support with weight management, we can guide you through the latest evidence and help you make informed decisions.
Book an Appointment Online with Crown St Medical Centre today for expert GP care serving Surry Hills, Darlinghurst, Paddington, Redfern, Waterloo, Woollahra and Green Square.
Last medically reviewed: 4 August 2026
Reviewed by: Doctors at Crown St Medical Centre – Surry Hills Medical Practice
Location: Crown Street, Surry Hills NSW
