Ozempic Vision Loss

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 taking Ozempic and the potential to develop NAION and other eye conditions. These vision-related Ozempic side effects are serious, harmful and sometimes irreversible.

Studies have discussed Ozempic use and how it may lead to serious vision changes:

• February 2026: This nationwide study published in JAMA Ophthalmology evaluated more than 100,000 U.S. veterans with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide use was associated with a 2-fold higher relative risk of developing NAION.
• June 2025: Patients who used GLP-1 RA drugs in a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology had more than doubled their risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) than patients who didn’t use GLP-1 RA drugs. The study focused on macular degeneration and included 139,002 diabetes patients.
• February 2025: A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology saw a slight increase in NAION among those taking semaglutide compared to patients not using the medication. The study was large-scale and included 37.1 million adult patients with diabetes.

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 contrast or sensitivity to light
• Seeing dark or gray spots that don’t move

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. After a period of time, this diabetic eye disease 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.

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

Diabetic retinopathy is sometimes misdiagnosed in people using Ozempic.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye condition that usually happens to people over 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). 

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. 

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.

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

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 loss and 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

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 had diabetes for an extended period of time
• Have high cholesterol
• Smoke tobacco products

What to do if you think Ozempic is causing vision loss

If you’ve been taking Ozempic and believe it may be causing vision loss, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Don’t immediately stop taking your dosage of Ozempic without talking to your doctor.
• If the vision loss is severe, seek medical attention right away.
• Get routine eye exams while on the medication to monitor your 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 vision loss lawsuit.

Ozempic vision loss lawsuits against Novo Nordisk are being filed by people 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. This MDL is In re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAs) Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) Products Liability Litigation, MDL No. 3163. Individual lawsuits are also being pursued in state courts. Motley Rice attorney Jonathan Orent serves as co-lead counsel for plaintiff’s in the MDL and Grace Chandler serves on the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee. 

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 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 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 and Wegovy remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.