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Almost two weeks ago, I found myself in a peculiar and unsettling situation while having a conversation with my physiotherapist at home.
Suddenly, I noticed flashing white lights in front of my left eye. It was as if a sparkler, reminiscent of those lit on bonfire night, was dancing across the wall. Neither my physiotherapist nor I could pinpoint the cause, but it was evident that something was amiss.
By the time I arrived at the emergency department of London’s Western Eye Hospital around 5 p.m., the flashing had subsided. However, my vision in the left eye was significantly impaired compared to my right. Everything seemed darker, and I occasionally saw small white specks, known as floaters.
Hoping for a quick visit was wishful thinking on my part, as the NHS emergency department was bustling with patients. Despite the wait, the care provided was exemplary. By 7 p.m., a nurse had already administered eye drops.
Two hours later, I was seated across from a reassuring young ophthalmologist, who was equipped with advanced medical instruments ready to diagnose my condition.
She checked both my eyes, called in the consultant who also checked everything and concluded I had a common condition in older people called posterior vitreous detachment.
The two doctors explained carefully that it was not something to panic about. Each of us has a jelly substance at the back of the eye which, with age, begins to liquefy and moves away from the retina.
They could see no blood in the eye – the retina had not been torn – and I should try to relax. I was not going blind, but if my sight in that eye continued to be poor, I should come back and they would see what they could do to help.
‘Doctors said I was not going blind, but if my sight in that eye continued to be poor, I should come back and they would see what they could do to help,’ writes Jenni Murray
Robbie Williams says he typically serenades an audience member with his hit song She’s The One, but can barely see the person he’s singing to as his eyesight has become blurry recently
They had no causes to propose apart from my age – I am 75 – but said I now had cataracts which must be removed soon.
I went home a little bit relieved but still scared, reminding myself that ageing was awful but better than the alternative.
Then I read about Robbie Williams. The headline to the story was ‘Fat jabs are making me lose my eyesight’.
On stage, the pop star says he typically serenades an audience member with his hit song She’s The One, but can barely see the person he’s singing to as his eyesight has become blurry recently.
He first noticed the issue at an American football game, when he couldn’t make out the players: ‘They were just shapes on the field.’ And he thinks the cause is his weekly injection of Mounjaro.
Oh my goodness. Like Williams, I was an early adopter of the weight-loss jab. More than a year ago, at 16.5st, I began Mounjaro injections with the aim of reaching 12st.
The loss has been considerably more dramatic. Even though I stopped using it on holiday in Italy last month, so I’d be able to enjoy some delicious local food, I have not regained my appetite. I found myself pecking at the creamy pastas and panna cotta I’d previously have wolfed down, pushing them away half-finished.
It has been a month since then and I have not returned to Mounjaro – yet the weight loss has continued. I now weigh 10st and 3lb – the same as in my early 20s.
I am starting to wonder if – like Sharon Osbourne, who complained she’d lost too much weight on them – the jabs have permanently affected my appetite. But the most pressing issue has been my sight.
I immediately asked my GP what evidence existed that Mounjaro could be the cause of my eye problem. She said the range of weight-loss jabs were so new, she felt there was not enough research to confirm whether they had unwanted side-effects.
There has been research in the US which highlighted a potential link between semaglutide-based drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and the tirzepatide-based Mounjaro with an optic-nerve condition that can lead to blindness. The working theory is that a rapid correction of high blood sugar may trigger something called nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (Naion) in some people, leading to permanent damage.
Scientists remain divided over how significant the risk is, though it’s worth remembering these drugs were designed to help those with type 2 diabetes – a condition which in itself can be harmful to the eyes. The US tests were carried out on diabetics.
Some argue the jury is still out on whether fat-jab users are putting their sight at risk. Michael Burdon, consultant at the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, said: ‘The reality is there is no good evidence. There are reports saying some have a problem with blood flow to the back of the eye, a condition called Naion. The trouble is there are so many people taking the drug and it’s not an uncommon condition, so it’s difficult to tell what is the cause. Then we have to question if the risk is worse than the impact of being significantly overweight. People taking this drug should be supervised by someone who knows what they’re doing – and shouldn’t buy it over the counter.’
Mounjaro’s makers say patient safety is a ‘top priority. We take any report involving patient safety seriously, and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines, including Mounjaro [tirzepatide], which is being used to help millions of patients around the world.
‘Patients should consult their doctor or other healthcare professional to discuss any side effects they may experience.’
Williams, meanwhile, says he’s being open about his problem to encourage people to research the issue before starting weight-loss injections. And he’s right.
I know my eyesight is not working properly. I can’t see to put eyeliner on my right eye. The left eye isn’t good enough now.
Like others, I’ve been an excited guinea pig when it comes to testing these drugs.
But for me, it’s now over. I’d rather be fat than go blind.
If only I’d worked out like Trinny
The beauty entrepreneur Trinny Woodall sets such a wonderful example. In an interview with Women’s Health magazine, she says she’s not dedicating herself to fitness to make herself look gorgeous (although she does look great), but to be strong and independent. She wants to be sure that if she falls when she’s 80, she will just be able to get up and go again. Oh, if only I’d worked out like Trinny when I was in my 60s.
I live in fear of a dog attack, too
Tom Parker Bowles and his Jack Russell, Maud, must have thought they were perfectly safe trotting down Kensington High Street in west London. But no, along came an Italian mastiff and Maud didn’t stand a chance. With dog attacks rising, I’m terrified when my chihuahuas, Minnie and Maggie, go to the park. Dangerous dogs should be muzzled.
If ever there were proof the Church is out of step with public opinion, surely it’s the guidance issued this week for same-sex blessing services. No rings, no vows, no white dresses and no kissing. It mustn’t look like a wedding, apparently. You’re the Church of England, just marry them!
Quiz winner for Chancellor
Judith Keppel, centre, won the jackpot on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in 2000
What would you do with the money if you won a million pounds? Spend it, I suppose. Not so Judith Keppel, the first winner of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? A quarter of a century on, she still has it in the bank, invested and providing a regular income. Keppel for Chancellor of the Exchequer, maybe?