Episode Details

The rapid increase in the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), has significantly changed the landscape of co-management in healthcare. Currently, about 6% of adults in the U.S. are prescribed these medications. As a result, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has classified these patients as “at-risk,” indicating that they require specialized clinical oversight.

In Partnership with The American Optometric Association

Expert Insight: Dr. Andrew Morgenstern on Systemic Reach

Dr. Andrew Morgenstern, Director of the AOA Clinical Resources Group, emphasizes that GLP-1 receptors are not localized solely to the gastrointestinal tract. They are expressed throughout the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system, meaning their impact is truly systemic. According to Dr. Morgenstern, the “magical” efficacy of these drugs in dropping blood sugar and weight requires optometrists to look beyond the gut and focus on how rapid metabolic shifts influence ocular physiology.

Pathophysiology of GLP-1 Ocular Manifestations

Based on the

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