Ozempic Vision Loss

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

Here’s a breakdown of this eye-rotting condition’s name so you can better understand how it negatively impacts vision:

• Non-arteritic: Reduced blood flow, with no inflammation
• Anterior: Reduced blood flow occurring where the optic nerve meets the eye
• Ischemic: Diminished blood flow
• Optic neuropathy: Optic nerve damage preventing visual information from being relayed to the brain

NAION typically occurs suddenly. Vision loss can be mild to severe, and the condition is incurable. As many as 10% of NAION patients feel pain, which might be a symptom of 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 

The link between NAION and Ozempic

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

This study, published in JAMA Ophthalmology, 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 were prescribed semaglutide and 516 were prescribed non-GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications. The results showed that 17 NAION events occurred in the people taking semaglutide, while only six NAION events occurred in people taking the non-GLP-1 RA medication.

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%). So, the percentage of people who developed NAION after semaglutide exposure was higher than the percentage of individuals who developed NAION after non-exposure. Researchers concluded that “as optic neuropathies are untreatable and irreversible, particular care should be given to avoid onset.”

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:

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

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 stabilization of blood sugar levels that occurs when 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 drugs — like Tanzeum and Victoza — as well as traditional diabetes medications like metformin. 

Diabetic retinopathy is sometimes misdiagnosed in people using Ozempic. However, they may still have a legal claim for injuries. People with true diabetic retinopathy might be eligible for an Ozempic lawsuit if the diabetic retinopathy warning on the Ozempic label is inadequate.

If you’ve experienced 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 for 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.

Diabetic retinopathy vs. NAION

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

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

Both of these medical conditions are serious and often irreversible. Consult a doctor if you suspect you’re developing either of them.

Research has highlighted some potential dangers of semaglutide. These include eye problems like vision changes, blurred vision, aggravated diabetic retinopathy, NAION 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 issues 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 semaglutide. Study participants who took semaglutide for weight loss were 11 times more likely to develop NAION than those who didn’t take semaglutide. 

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 and blood flow, making the optic nerve receive inadequate amounts of blood. Other people hypothesize that as a GLP-1 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. After seeking medical care, consider contacting an Ozempic lawyer.

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 December 31, 2024, the FDA FAERS Public Dashboard had 497 reports of blurry vision from Ozempic.

Does Ozempic cause eye pain?

Ozempic has been linked to eye pain in connection with some conditions, including diabetic retinopathy and NAION. Diabetic retinopathy results from high sugar levels in the blood and may cause eye pain. NAION, which happens when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked, often doesn’t cause eye pain. However, eye pain from NAION is possible.

Can you sue over Ozempic vision changes?

You might be eligible to sue over vision changes (blindness, vision loss, floaters, etc.) or other issues that developed after starting Ozempic and being exposed to semaglutide. 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.
Contact a Motley Rice Ozempic lawyer to discuss your specific situation and determine whether you have a case against 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 vision loss, 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, Victoza, Tanzeum and Trulicity remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.