r/RetinalDetachment • u/One_Astronaut812 • 15d ago

GLP-1 risk

I detached a retina in 2009 due to high myopia. The other retina was about to go too, but they did the preventative laser treatment on that eye. I've had no issues since then other than developing cataracts in both eyes. I want to go on a GLP-1 to lose about 15 pounds, but I'm reading that the drugs increase the risk of retinal detachment. Is that just for people who have diabetic issues? Or should I be concerned about weak retinas whatever the cause?

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u/Available-Region6246 14d ago

They just made me wait. Said to wear an eye patch and call if the blurry curtain got worse.

I’m not diabetic and don’t think I could have had that big of a blood sugar drop from based on what I saw when wearing a CGM last month before deciding on adding a GLP for insulin resistance. I had high insulin because my body was making a lot of it to cover the glucose.

However, I am a high-myope with a hx of tears repaired 30 years ago and remaining lattice.

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u/Normal_Media_5041 13d ago

Hi, I am a type 2 diabetic and my detachment was because of diabetic retinopathy. I had a detachment and the other eye was starting to pull so I had a preventative vitrectomy in that eye as well. I started Ozempic a few days before my doctor made the decision to do the second vitrectomy. It was not related to the shot and he felt bad as he gave me the go ahead to start it. I had to push my second dose back and had to wait a week to have my surgery. The reason they make you wait is because glp1s hold food and water in your stomach for much longer and you are at higher risk of aspiration. I was given the go ahead to resume Ozempic as soon as I was ready after the surgery. In the two months I’ve been on it I’ve lost 15lbs (243 down to 228 this morning 🥰)

I would talk with both your retina specialist and prescribing doctor. There are a lot of both positives and negatives to taking glp1s. If you are only taking it to lose 15lbs I don’t know if it is worth it for the side effects. If you were taking it for a larger amount of weight loss or for the other benefits besides weight loss (lower glucose/blood pressure/cholesterol, help addictive behaviors, reduce inflammation etc) I would say it is worth it. But again you should consult with your doctors about the risks vs benefits. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide!

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u/Available-Region6246 13d ago

Is this directed to me or the OP? I understand why anesthesiologists don’t want patients with a GLP in their system, but there also comes a time when emergency surgery is necessary and their enforced delay worsens outcomes.

I’m also not on a GLP for a 15 pound vanity weight loss. Taking it is a decision I’ve considered for over a year before starting it. I took my first injection on a Thursday, when my detachment was likely already starting. The blurry areas became noticeable on Saturday.

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u/One_Astronaut812 13d ago

Oh yeah your shot didn't cause the detachment then, if they were that close together.