Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors may significantly reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), especially dry AMD in patients with type 2 diabetes, compared to DPP-4 inhibitors, according to a study.
In the multinational study, researchers analyzed electronic health records from adults aged 50 and older who had T2DM and had previously used metformin. The study included 41,932 patients, of which half were treated with SGLT2 inhibitors and half with DPP-4 inhibitors. Groups were matched for baseline characteristics and followed for up to 5 years.
Those using SGLT2 inhibitors had a 29% lower risk of developing AMD and a 39% lower risk of dry AMD compared to those on DPP-4 inhibitors. The reduction in wet AMD risk, however, was not statistically significant.
Benefits were particularly notable in White patients and those using empagliflozin or dapagliflozin, as well as individuals with better kidney function, well-controlled blood sugar, hypertension, or dyslipidemia.
Reference
Pan SY, Weng CH, Tsai SF, et al. Use of SGLT2 Inhibitors Versus DPP-4 Inhibitors and Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Patients WithType 2 Diabetes: A Multinational Cohort Study. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2025;66(4):58. doi: 10.1167/iovs.66.4.58. PMID: 40257783.
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