Ozempic & Vision Loss (NAION)

NAION is a rare but severe eye condition that can lead to sudden and permanent vision loss. It occurs when the blood supply to the optic nerve — essential for your sight — is disrupted. Typically, you may notice a sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye, which may have a lasting impact on your daily activities and overall well-being. Specialists sometimes call NAION an “eye stroke,” because it mirrors the way a stroke affects blood flow in the brain. There is no effective treatment for NAION.

Researchers reported a potential link between semaglutide — the active ingredient in Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy — and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in 2024. Additional research in 2025 found a potentially higher risk of vision impairment among people taking semaglutide compared to other diabetes and weight loss drugs.

Since the research was published, people who developed NAION after taking these semaglutide drugs have filed Wegovy and Ozempic lawsuits.

Some people may be at greater risk of developing NAION due to health conditions. If you have long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity — each of which can harm blood vessels — you should be particularly aware.

Additionally, people with sleep apnea or those who are overweight with other heart-related risk factors may also find themselves at a heightened risk for this condition. Taking proactive steps toward overall health can be beneficial, and staying informed is a vital part of maintaining eye health.

Ozempic, which is used for managing diabetes, and Wegovy, prescribed for weight loss, have been associated with other potential vision problems. Researchers believe that since semaglutide can influence blood vessel health, it might lead to issues with the optic nerve, especially in people who already have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure.

However, the exact way this happens is still not fully understood, and cases remain uncommon. Only about one person in 200,000 will develop NAION in the United States. It is more common among people over the age of 50.

But in addition to NAION, semaglutide and similar GLP-1 medications have been linked to other vision-related issues, such as blurred sight and worsening diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that results from damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

On the Ozempic label, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pointed out that “vision changes” are a potential serious side effect. It also highlights concerns about diabetic retinopathy.

A 2025 study published in the medical journal JAMA Ophthalmology looked at the health records of nearly 37 million adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study discovered that people taking Ozempic and Wegovy had a slightly higher risk of developing NAION compared to those not on the drug or on other diabetes medications.

Another 2025 study, published in BMC Medicine, found a significantly higher risk. Researchers reported the risk was more than four times higher for people with diabetes and more than seven times higher for overweight and obese patients.

A data review from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) shows reports of vision problems with both Ozempic and Wegovy. Among over 38,000 reports on Wegovy and Ozempic side effects, Drugwatch identified 803 cases specifically mentioning visual impairment or optic ischaemic neuropathy (OIN) as of March 31, 2025. NAION is the most common type of OIN.

It’s important to note that these reports are based on voluntary submissions and do not necessarily prove that the medications caused these issues; instead, they underscore the need for further investigation.

NAION usually affects just one eye at a time. Approximately 15% of people who experience NAION in one eye may also develop it in the other eye later on. If you are at risk for the condition because of diabetes, high blood pressure or other conditions, or if you are taking a semaglutide, you should be aware of NAION symptoms.

If you notice any NAION symptoms, it’s crucial to get medical help right away. Seeing an ophthalmologist quickly could help preserve your remaining vision and determine if NAION is the cause.

Typically, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, assess your vision in various areas and may take images to obtain a clearer picture of the condition. Although no known treatment can reverse NAION, prompt care can help manage any risk factors.

If you suffered vision loss or NAION after taking semaglutide medications, you might be eligible to file a Wegovy or Ozempic lawsuit, especially if you weren’t warned of the risks.

“People who would qualify for these lawsuits are men and women who were taking Ozempic or Wegovy … for management of their Type 2 diabetes, or prescribed for weight loss, and developed NAION while taking one of these drugs,” Danielle Gold, an attorney with Weitz & Luxenberg working on Ozempic NAION litigation, told Drugwatch.

The lawsuits are specific to a diagnosis of NAION, whether it happened in one or both eyes. You must have had an injury to your optic nerve.

“There really is a loss of independence among people who are diagnosed with this condition, potentially significant economic losses, and really something that you can’t go back from,” Gold said.

How to File an Ozempic Vision Loss Lawsuit

If you’re thinking about taking legal action because of problems with Ozempic or Wegovy side effects, you can start with a free case review from Drugwatch. It’s simple — just fill out a quick form, and someone from our team will reach out to discuss your experience and see if you have a case.

Drugwatch has partnered with reliable law firms specializing in personal injury and medication-related issues. They can help connect you with a knowledgeable lawyer who can assist you.

The evaluation doesn’t cost anything, and there’s no pressure to move forward. You’ll receive helpful information and support, regardless of your decision.

An Ozempic or Wegovy lawsuit isn’t just about receiving compensation; it’s also about holding pharmaceutical companies accountable and helping to protect others.

Be sure to gather any available medical records, as they may be helpful. Remember, legal timelines differ depending on where you live, so contacting a lawyer soon can help you take the necessary steps to get the support you need.

Status of MDL 3094 and Legal Deadlines

Additional lawsuits concerning Ozempic, Wegovy and other GLP-1 drugs involve claims of stomach paralysis, intestinal blockages and more gastrointestinal injuries. These claims are being processed in a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL).

An MDL allows the courts to combine several similar lawsuits into a single litigation to streamline the legal process. As of August 2025, there were 2,190 lawsuits in the Ozempic MDL underway in a Pennsylvania federal court.

If you developed vision loss or gastrointestinal injuries while taking Ozempic, Wegovy or Rybelsus, it’s crucial to talk to an experienced lawyer right away. States have different time limits between the time of your injury and when you can file a lawsuit.