The diabetes drugs Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to an increased risk of sudden vision loss and blindness due to a rare eye condition known as NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy).
If you or someone you love has experienced blindness or serious vision problems after taking semaglutide-based medications such as Ozempic or Wegovy, you may qualify to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of these drugs and receive compensation for your injury.
What Is NAION?
NAION is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced or blocked, causing damage that can lead to partial or total vision loss. This often occurs without warning and usually in one eye.
Unlike other eye conditions, NAION often strikes suddenly and painlessly, usually upon waking. Patients may notice blurred vision, dimming, or a dark spot in part of their visual field.
NAION is also sometimes referred to as an “eye stroke”. This eye condition is the second most common cause of optic nerve damage after glaucoma. Currently, there are no reliable treatments to reverse its effects. In many cases, the damage is permanent.
Are Semaglutide Drugs Like Ozempic and Wegovy Increasing the Risk?
Recent medical studies suggest there may be a link between semaglutide medications like Ozempic orWegovy and the onset of NAION:
- A 2024 study from Mass Eye and Ear published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients using semaglutide were up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION compared to those on other diabetes medications.
- Among overweight or obese users, the risk jumped to more than seven times higher.
- A separate European study identified a significant increase in NAION diagnoses among long-term semaglutide users with diabetes, prompting the European Medicines Agency to launch a safety review and recommend label warnings.
Although NAION remains a rare side effect, these studies linking Ozempic and Wegovy to an increased risk of NAION vision loss have raised concern among healthcare professionals, researchers, and patients about the safety of these medications.
Who is Most at Risk?
The connection between Ozempic, Wegovy, and vision loss appears strongest among individuals with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, or other cardiovascular risk factors, all of which can contribute to optic nerve vulnerability.
If you've experienced the following symptoms after starting a GLP-1 drug, you may be at risk for NAION:
- Sudden vision changes or blurring
- Loss of peripheral or central vision
- Dimmed or grayed-out areas in one eye
- A formal diagnosis of NAION by an eye care specialist
Even if symptoms improve over time, permanent optic nerve damage may have already occurred. That’s why it’s important to take vision changes seriously while using semaglutide-based medications.
Wegovy, Ozempic Lawsuits Filed Over NAION Vision Loss
As reports of NAION vision loss linked to Ozempic and Wegovy continue to grow, individuals across the United States are beginning to file lawsuits against the drug manufacturers.
These Wegovy and Ozempic lawsuits claim that drug companies failed to adequately warn users of the risk of NAION, vision loss, and blindness, despite emerging evidence and patient complaints.
To pursue a legal claim, patients typically need to show:
- Verified use of a semaglutide medication (e.g., Ozempic or Wegovy)
- A diagnosis of NAION or other significant vision problems
- Onset of symptoms occurring during or shortly after use of the drug
Because vision loss from NAION is permanent, affected users may be eligible for compensation related to medical costs, lost income, diminished quality of life, and emotional distress.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If you’ve suffered sudden vision loss, blindness, or were diagnosed with NAION after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. An experienced product liability attorney can help determine if you qualify for compensation.
The first lawsuits involving the link between Wegovy, Ozempic and NAION vision loss were filed earlier in 2025. However, although this litigation is already underway, semaglutide users with eye problems still have time to take legal action to seek the compesation for which they are eligible under the law.
Many attorneys involved in the Ozempic and Wegovy litigation offer free legal consultations for potential clients, and can review your medical history, prescription records, and vision diagnosis to help you understand your legal rights.
Next Steps for Ozempic & Wegovy Patients
The link between semaglutide drugs and NAION is becoming more widely recognized, and legal action is already underway for some of those affected.
Ozempic and Wegovy users who have experienced vision problems while using these medications can take the following steps to address health concerns about these drugs:
- See an eye doctor immediately if you notice any sudden changes in your vision.
- Request and save your medical records, especially any notes about NAION, optic nerve damage, or unusual vision symptoms.
- Contact a product liability attorney with experience in pharmaceutical injury cases to explore your options.
If you’ve experienced vision loss after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or another semaglutide medication, you may be entitled to compensation.
Contact a lawyer with experience in Wegovy and Ozempic lawsuits to receive a free legal consultation, learn more about whether you may qualify to take legal action, and start the process of filing your claim today.
