Bariatric Weight-Loss Surgery

Semaglutide Eye Risks: What Bariatric Patients Should Know

Dr. Jason F. Moy
Dr. Brian T. Chin
Daniel Roman
May 14, 2025
Semaglutide Eye Risks: What Bariatric Patients Should Know

Weight loss injections like Ozempic® and Wegovy® have become popular — but serious concerns are emerging. One of the most alarming potential side effects of semaglutide is vision loss. For bariatric patients, understanding the eye risks of semaglutide is critical when choosing a safe, effective weight loss method.

At BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, we focus only on surgical weight loss solutions because they offer long-term safety and results — without relying on medications that may carry unknown risks.

What Is Semaglutide and Why Is It Used?

Semaglutide is a medication originally developed for managing Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists and is now prescribed for weight loss under brand names like:

  • Ozempic®
  • Wegovy®
  • Rybelsus® (oral version)

These drugs help reduce appetite and improve blood sugar control. But for bariatric patients — especially those without diabetes — the long-term effects are still unclear.

What Are the Eye Risks of Semaglutide?

Recent reports suggest a possible link between semaglutide and a rare but serious condition called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This condition causes sudden and permanent vision loss due to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve.

While the data is still emerging, potential risks include:

  • Blurry or dim vision
  • Loss of vision in one eye
  • Visual field disturbances

Semaglutide eye risks may be higher in individuals with:

Why BASS Bariatric Surgery Center Does Not Recommend Weight Loss Injections

Our bariatric surgeons focus on evidence-based surgical care, not medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide. Here’s why:

  • GLP-1 medications must be taken long-term to maintain results.
  • Side effects include nausea, vomiting, muscle loss, and now vision concerns.
  • Studies on long-term safety, especially in non-diabetics, are still limited.

In contrast, bariatric surgeries like gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy:

  • Provide lasting metabolic improvement
  • Are backed by decades of clinical data
  • Do not rely on injections or appetite suppressants

What Should You Do If You're Concerned About Semaglutide?

If you're using a weight loss injection and experiencing vision issues or other side effects, talk to your doctor right away.

Better yet — consider a permanent and safer alternative.

Safe, Proven Surgical Weight Loss at BASS

At BASS Bariatric Surgery Center, we help patients reach their health goals through time-tested surgical procedures. We do not prescribe semaglutide or other GLP-1 medications because we believe in sustainable, comprehensive care.

Want to learn more about weight loss surgery options?

Request a consultation today

About The Author

Daniel Roman, Content Writer

Daniel Roman is a Digital Content Writer at BASS Medical Group. He received his Masters in Journalism from UC Berkeley in 2021. Daniel has published multiple newspaper articles covering public health issues. His latest was a magazine cover story on pandemics and diseases that he co-wrote with Dr. Elena Conis, a historian of medicine, public health, and the environment.

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Ozempic vs. Bariatric Surgery: Key Differences

Feature
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Bariatric Surgery
Mechanism of Action
Appetite suppression, slowed gastric emptying
Restriction, malabsorption, hormonal changes
Invasive/Non-Invasive
Non-invasive (injection)
Invasive (surgery)
Expected Weight Loss
15-20% of body weight
40-70% of excess weight
Duration of Treatment
Ongoing (weekly injection)
One-time procedure
Reversibility
Yes
Varies (some procedures reversible)
Cost
Lower initial cost, ongoing medication expense
Higher initial cost, potential long-term savings
Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
Surgical risks, nutritional deficiencies, digestive issues

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