As a fast-growing class of medications is transforming diabetes management, University of Houston College of Optometry Assistant Professor Dr. Kaitlyn Sapoznik is advancing our understanding of how these therapies affect eye health.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 RAs, are widely prescribed for diabetes, obesity and related conditions. Their benefits for glycemic control are well established, and their potential impact on ocular health is now becoming an important area of research and clinical focus.

At the University of Houston College of Optometry, Dr. Sapoznik uses high-resolution retinal imaging to study early, cellular-level changes associated with diabetes. Her recent findings suggest that when GLP-1 RA medications are prescribed early—before diabetic eye disease is clinically detectable—they may help reduce or delay retinal damage often seen with other treatments.

“These medications have been genuinely transformative for many patients,” she said. “They provide an effective option for those who have struggled to maintain glycemic control with other treatments.”

Continued Importance of Eye Examinations

Even with these promising results, Dr. Sapoznik emphasizes that routine, dilated eye examinations remain essential for all patients living with diabetes.

“Although improved blood glucose control is beneficial, rapid changes can occasionally contribute to a temporary worsening of retinopathy,” she said. “Ongoing monitoring of ocular health helps us identify and manage those problems early.”

University of Houston College of Optometry faculty are also evaluating reports of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a sudden, painless vision loss linked to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Recent observations suggest that individuals with certain optic nerve abnormalities may be more susceptible.

“It’s still early in our understanding, but coordinated communication among eye care providers and prescribing clinicians is important as we learn more,” she said.

Contributing to National Scientific Dialogue

Dr. Sapoznik recently presented her work to a standing-room-only audience at the American Academy of Optometry Annual Meeting in Boston, highlighting research suggesting GLP-1 RA medications may also demonstrate neuroprotective properties, with possible implications for glaucoma and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

“These medications appear to influence multiple physiological systems—not only glucose regulation, but also the optic nerve, central nervous system and cardiovascular health,” she said.

Advancing Research and Innovation at UHCO
Dr. Sapoznik is a recipient of a K12 Scholars Program career development award through The Consortium for Translational and Precision Health (CTPH), a collaboration between the University of Houston and the Baylor College of Medicine designed to recruit and retain clinical and translational science scholars. This research support advances her research using adaptive optics, retinal imaging and artificial intelligence tools capable of detecting retinal changes at the earliest stages. Dr. Nimesh Patel serves as her mentor. In addition, Dr. Sapoznik and Dr. Wendy Harrison are collaborating with Dr. Jieni Li at the UH College of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy on a national insurance data analysis to better understand real-world visual outcomes among GLP-1 RA users.

“With more patients now being prescribed GLP-1 RAs for obesity, we aim to determine whether ocular risks or protective benefits differ within this broader population,” Dr. Sapoznik said.

This project reflects the college’s commitment to anticipating emerging clinical needs and preparing providers with evidence-based guidance as new therapies evolve. As a co-investigator on the project, Dr. Harrison notes that the widespread use of GLP-1 RAs has moved faster than the research needed to understand their long-term effects on the eye.

“Diabetes and obesity are an epidemic in our country and while these medications have been shown to have great cardiac benefits, we still don’t know enough about how they change ocular health. Since they are becoming first-line therapies, this is very important to figure out,” Dr. Harrison said.

As research continues and GLP-1 RAs become more widely used, the implications for eye care will extend directly into clinical practice. Dr. Sapoznik says optometrists will continue to play a central role in early disease detection, patient counseling and collaborative care.

“Optometrists are frequently the first to observe ocular changes associated with diabetes,” she said. “By staying current with emerging research and helping patients understand how their systemic health connects to their vision, we can make a meaningful impact.”