Ozempic Blindness

Research has highlighted some potential dangers of semaglutide. These include eye problems like aggravated diabetic retinopathy, blindness, blurred vision, NAION, vision changes and macular concerns. Anyone with type 2 diabetes and obesity is at risk for these medical issues. People with existing eye conditions are at an even higher risk and should consider not taking semaglutide.

Recent studies and research reveal a link between people taking Ozempic and the potential to develop NAION and other eye conditions. These vision-related Ozempic side effects are serious, harmful and sometimes irreversible.

A 2024 study focused on semaglutide users who were diabetic, overweight or obese. Participants who took semaglutide for type 2 diabetes were nearly eight times more likely to develop NAION than those who didn’t take it. Study participants who took semaglutide for weight loss were 11 times more likely to develop NAION than those who didn’t take it.

Studies have been done regarding Ozempic use and how it may lead to serious vision changes:

• June 2025: Patients who used GLP-1 RA drugs in a study had more than doubled their risk of developing nAMD than patients who didn't use GLP-RA drugs. The study focused on macular degeneration and included 139,002 diabetes patients.
• April 2025: A FAERS review for NAION examined 302,706 reports from the FAERS database. The study concluded that of the 11,558 reports for semaglutide, 417 reported visual impairment or ischemic optic neuropathy (ION). That rate was substantially higher than other GLP-1 RAs.
  • FAERS is intended to help identify safety concerns related to marketed products, but it does not prove any product or drug is linked or caused a particular side effect or injury. Reports by themselves are not an indicator of a medical product’s safety profile. In addition, FAERS may include duplicate reports or may significantly undercount injuries.
• February 2025: A study saw a slight increase in NAION in those taking semaglutide compared to patients not using the medication. The study was large-scale and included 37.1 million diabetic adult patients.
• January 2025: A study of seven patients taking semaglutide and tirzepatide observed that they had developed issues including NAION, papillitis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM).
• July 2024: A six-year cohort study was conducted with 16,827 patients who had no history of NAION. The research compared patients taking semaglutide with patients taking non-GLP-1 RA medications. Both groups were taking medications to manage type 2 diabetes or weight. Those taking semaglutide had a higher risk of developing NAION.

According to recent research, several eye conditions may develop after Ozempic use. These include NAION, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, papillitis and paracentral acute middle maculopathy.

NAION

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a condition that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked. The blockage causes immediate, painless vision loss in the eye.

NAION typically occurs suddenly. Vision loss is incurable and can be mild to severe. As many as 10% of patients who develop NAION feel pain, which might indicate another cause for the vision loss.

NAION symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Distortion of color
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Loss of contract or sensitivity to light
• Seeing dark or gray spots that don’t move

In August 2024, Dr. Joseph Rizzo, the director of neuro-ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston, published research connecting Ozempic and Wegovy use to an increased risk of developing NAION in diabetic or overweight patients. He called NAION “in effect, a stroke of the optic nerve.”

The study found a higher risk of NAION in patients prescribed semaglutide versus patients who used non-GLP-1 RA drugs. In a group of 710 people with type 2 diabetes, 194 people used semaglutide and 516 used non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications. During the study, 17 NAION instances occurred in the semaglutide group. In comparison, only six NAION instances occurred in the non-GLP-1 RA medication group. This research was published in August 2024 in JAMA Ophthalmology.

A December 2024 study determined that using once-weekly semaglutide doubles the five-year risk of developing NAION in those who have type 2 diabetes. Of the 106,454 type 2 diabetes patients using once-weekly semaglutide, 67 developed NAION (0.0629%). In a group of 317,698 type 2 diabetes patients not taking semaglutide, 151 people developed NAION (0.0475%). Researchers concluded that “as optic neuropathies are untreatable and irreversible, particular care should be given to avoid onset.”

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. After a period of time, DR damages the blood vessels in the retina — the part of the eye that detects light and sends signals to the brain. DR interferes with blood flow by blocking blood vessels, causing them to bleed or leak fluid.

The initial stages of DR usually have no symptoms. However, depending on the severity, some people may experience:

• Bleeding
• Challenges with reading or difficulty seeing distant objects
• Dark spots or streaks that resemble floating cobwebs
• Gel-like fluid filling the eye
• Random changes in vision

Research shows a link between Ozempic use and worsening DR in people who already have the condition. The connection could be related to the rapid drop in blood sugar levels that happens after diabetic patients begin to take Ozempic. Keeping blood sugar levels stable is important for the management of diabetes. However, changes (even positive ones) can aggravate DR before it improves.

Approximately 90 cases of DR associated with Ozempic use had been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) Public Dashboard as of December 31, 2024. The number of reported adverse events related to DR was dramatically higher for Ozempic than other GLP-1 RA drugs like Tanzeum and Victoza. There were also more adverse events for Ozempic than traditional diabetes medications like metformin.

Diabetic retinopathy is sometimes misdiagnosed in people using Ozempic.

If you or a loved one has experienced Ozempic side effects that were not disclosed on the warning label (or were added after you started taking the drug), you may be eligible to file an Ozempic lawsuit. Speak with a Motley Rice Ozempic lawyer to determine if you have a case for vision loss side effects not fully explained on the Ozempic label.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye condition that usually happens to people over age 50. It causes central vision loss (inability to see things directly in front of them), but patients usually keep their peripheral vision (ability to see things to the sides of them). A June 2025 study linked nAMD, a form of age-related macular degeneration, to GLP-1 RA use.

Papillitis

Papillitis (optic neuritis) occurs when the optic disk becomes inflamed. Patients who develop papillitis experience vision loss in one eye and a lack of color perception. Sudden recovery is possible, but blindness may result if papillitis goes undetected or isn’t treated. Papillitis can occur for numerous reasons. But a study published in January 2025 found a possible connection between papillitis and semaglutide or tirzepatide use.

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is an eye condition in which an area of the retina is damaged because blood flow is lacking (ischemia). Loss of vision may or may not happen. A January 2025 study found a possible connection between PAMM and NAION to the use of semaglutide or tirzepatide.

Research indicates that Ozempic use may affect an individual’s vision in multiple ways. However, it’s not fully understood exactly how Ozempic can cause NAION and other eye conditions.

Some theorize that semaglutide might influence vascular health, resulting in poor blood flow to the optic nerve. Other people think that, as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, semaglutide may activate GLP-1 receptors, affecting blood supply to the optic nerve.

Anyone with diabetes can develop eye problems. However, your risk may be higher if you:

• Are pregnant
• Don’t have control over your blood sugar levels
• Have been diabetic for an extended period of time
• Have high cholesterol
• Smoke tobacco products

Eye problems caused by diabetes typically don’t show any symptoms at first. However, people with diabetes should be on the lookout for sudden vision changes that could indicate a serious problem. Signs to look for include:

• A dark shadow over part of your vision
• Eye pain or redness
• Flashes of light
• Floaters
• Loss of vision

If you’re experiencing vision issues after using Ozempic, follow up with your doctor. Then consider contacting an Ozempic lawyer about filing an Ozempic blindness lawsuit.

Ozempic blindness lawsuits against Novo Nordisk are being filed. People are alleging that they developed unexpected and serious vision issues from semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic. Federal lawsuits filed against Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company are being consolidated in multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Eli Lilly and Company makes Trulicity and Mounjaro. As of October 1, 2025, 2,809 lawsuits were pending in MDL 3094. Individual lawsuits are also being pursued in state courts.

You might be eligible to file an Ozempic blindness lawsuit if you experienced vision changes (blindness, vision loss, floaters, etc.) or other issues after starting Ozempic. Contact a Motley Rice Ozempic lawyer to discuss your specific situation and help determine whether you have a case against Ozempic.

What’s the difference between diabetic retinopathy and NAION?

Although both diabetic retinopathy (DR) and NAION can lead to blindness in people with diabetes, they are different eye conditions.

• NAION is caused by a reduced or lack of blood flow to the optic nerve. It appears suddenly and typically gets worse over the next few days before stabilizing.
• DR is a progressive condition caused by too much blood sugar damaging the retina. DR damages the macula as it advances. The macula is the part of the retina that controls central vision, color vision and fine detail.

DR and NAION are serious and often irreversible conditions. Consult a doctor if you suspect you’re developing either of them.

Does Ozempic and Wegovy cause blindness?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Ozempic and Wegovy. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing NAION, a condition that leads to incurable blindness in one eye.

Can I sue over GLP-1 blindness?

You might be eligible to file an Ozempic blindness lawsuit if you experienced eye problems (blindness, vision loss, floaters, etc.) or other issues that developed after you started Ozempic. If the condition you experienced wasn’t listed on the warning label or was added after you started taking the drug, you may be able to pursue legal action.

Does Ozempic cause blurry vision?

Ozempic (or more specifically, semaglutide) may cause blurry vision. Semaglutide controls blood sugar by discharging a hormone known as GLP-1 that stimulates the body to make more insulin to decrease blood sugar. When blood sugar levels change, it affects the shape of the eye’s lens. This change may lead to blurry vision, an alleged side effect of Ozempic.

As of March 31, 2025, the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard had 516 reports of blurry vision from Ozempic.

Our medical attorneys have represented thousands of patients seriously hurt by prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including diabetes drugs.

If you believe Ozempic use caused you or someone you love to experience blindness, attorneys at our law firm have the resources needed to thoroughly investigate and:

• Identify potentially harmful medications
• Investigate whether the medicine harmed you
• Review the medicine manufacturer’s compliance with FDA regulations
• Examine the adequacy of the manufacturer's warning to you about potential side effects
• Evaluate other issues that might affect your potential case

Learn more about our medical drug experience here.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Victoza and Tanzeum remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.