Ozempic & Vision Loss (NAION)

NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) is a serious eye condition that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted. It can suddenly cause vision loss in one or both eyes, which is usually permanent. However, about 20% of people who experience it will see modest improvement.

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.

Studies published in JAMA Ophthalmology in 2024 and 2025 have linked semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, to an increased risk of NAION. The underlying reason remains under investigation.

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, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sleep apnea or obesity. These medical conditions increase a person’s risk for vascular disease, which could impede adequate blood flow to the eye’s optic nerve.

Taking proactive steps toward overall health can be beneficial, and staying informed is a vital part of maintaining eye health.

Recent peer-reviewed studies were the first to suggest a possible link between Ozempic and an increased risk of NAION. Sometimes called “Ozempic blindness” in news stories and patient forums, the term refers to vision loss some people using GLP-1 medications have reported.

NAION remains rare, and researchers have not yet confirmed a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Only about 2.3 to 10.3 people in 100,000 will develop NAION in the United States. That’s about 6,000 cases per year. It is more common among people over 50.

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.

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.

Researchers first identified NAION as a possible Ozempic side effect after the drug had been on the market for more than six years.

Key Ozempic Research Facts

• A 2024 JAMA Ophthalmology study found that people with Type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide had over four times higher risk of NAION, and overweight or obese users had over seven times higher risk compared to those not taking the drug.
• As of May 5, 2026, there were 3,636 reported cases of vision loss or optic nerve damage linked to Ozempic and Wegovy in the FDA’s public database.
• NAION is the most common type of optic nerve injury in people over 50. 
• The FDA has not added a NAION warning to the Ozempic label as of May 2026.

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 JAMA Ophthalmology 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 nearly 68,000 reports on Wegovy and Ozempic side effects, Drugwatch identified 2,043 cases specifically mentioning visual impairment or ischaemic optic neuropathy (ION) as of May 5, 2026. NAION is the most common type of ION.

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 typically presents as sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, often noticed upon waking, with blurred or worsened vision in the lower half of the visual field.

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 vascular conditions, or if you are taking semaglutide, you should be aware of NAION symptoms.

NAION is a medical emergency. If you notice any NAION symptoms — especially while taking any semaglutide medication — it’s crucial to get medical help right away. Seeing an ophthalmologist or emergency room doctor immediately 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.

People have filed Ozempic lawsuits alleging that semaglutide medications, including Ozempic and Wegovy, may be linked to NAION. People filing these lawsuits claim they were not adequately warned about this risk before using the drugs for Type 2 diabetes management or weight loss.

You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if you used Ozempic or Wegovy for diabetes or weight loss and developed NAION during or after using it.

“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,” Danielle Gold, an attorney with Weitz & Luxenberg working on Ozempic NAION litigation, told Drugwatch.

How to File an Ozempic Vision Loss Lawsuit

If you developed NAION after using Ozempic or Wegovy, you can request a free case review through our online form. A Drugwatch partner attorney will review your medical history and timeline to determine if you have a case. Since deadlines vary by state, reaching out to an attorney early can help ensure you keep your right to file.

Status of MDL 3094 and Legal Deadlines

As of May 2026, there were 3,636 lawsuits in MDL 3094, the Ozempic multidistrict litigation underway in a Pennsylvania federal court. 

The MDL centralizes cases involving alleged injuries linked to semaglutide use, including NAION-related vision loss. Bellwether trials have not yet begun.