Diabetes, obesity & metabolismJun 8, 2026

Risk of Age-Related Eye Diseases in Non-Diabetic Adults with Obesity Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗OA ↗

Updated Jun 9, 2026

Abstract

GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower 5-year risk of several age-related ocular diseases in non-diabetic older adults.

Users of GLP-1 receptor agonists had a risk ratio of 0.45 for developing cataracts, indicating a significant reduction in incidence.
The risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was reduced with a risk ratio of 0.33 among GLP-1RA users.
Ocular hypertension was associated with a lower risk (RR: 0.56) in patients using GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) showed a risk reduction with a risk ratio of 0.50 in the same group.
The incidence of dry eye syndrome was also lower among users of GLP-1 receptor agonists, with a risk ratio of 0.36.
Sensitivity analyses indicated consistent lower risks across different subtypes of cataracts and retinal issues.

Simplified

AIMS: To assess whether glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are associated with a lower incidence of age-related ocular diseases in non-diabetic older adults with overweight or obesity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study using the TriNetX global research network. Non-diabetic, overweight or obese adults aged ≥ 60 years with an ophthalmic disease-naïve baseline were enrolled. Patients receiving liraglutide or semaglutide were matched 1:1 with users of alternative weight-loss medications (bupropion-naltrexone, phentermine-topiramate, setmelanotide or orlistat). Outcomes included up to 5-year risks of incident cataract, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), ocular hypertension, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and dry eye syndrome (DES).

RESULTS: After matching, 68 536 patients were included (34 268 per group). GLP-1RAs use was significantly associated with a lower 5-year risk of cataract (RR: 0.45; 95% CI, 0.40-0.50), AMD (RR: 0.33; 95% CI, 0.23-0.48), ocular hypertension (RR: 0.56; 95% CI, 0.34-0.91), POAG (RR: 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32-0.78) and DES (RR: 0.36; 95% CI, 0.31-0.42). Sensitivity analyses consistently demonstrated a lower risk across cataract subtypes, including nuclear (RR: 0.42; 95% CI, 0.37-0.48), cortical (RR: 0.37; 95% CI, 0.36-0.55) and posterior subcapsular cataracts (RR: 0.48; 95% CI, 0.26-0.91). Similar reductions were observed in retinal haemorrhage or edema (RR: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.30-0.63) and the use of dry eye-related medication (RR: 0.44; 95% CI, 0.39-0.50).

CONCLUSIONS: GLP-1RAs were associated with lower risks of multiple age-related ocular conditions in non-diabetic older adults.

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Risk of Age-Related Eye Diseases in Non-Diabetic Adults with Obesity Using GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Abstract

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