What Is a NAION Lawsuit?

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare eye condition caused by a lack of blood flow to the optic nerve. The blockage results in immediate, irreversible vision loss. Research links NAION to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic® and Wegovy®.

NAION is a subtype of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), which occurs when there isn’t enough blood flow to the optic nerve. NAION causes immediate, often painless vision loss that may progress over several weeks or months before stabilizing.,  

NAION symptoms

NAION causes irreversible and sudden vision loss. Around 10% of those with the condition experience pain. Other NAION symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Distortion of color
• Loss of peripheral vision 
• Reduced visual field (usually in the lower half)
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing dark or grey spots that don’t move

Typically, NAION affects only one eye. However, around 15% of patients eventually develop the condition in the other eye, as well.

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Several studies have shown that adults with type 2 diabetes who use semaglutide double their risk for NAION, compared to those who don’t use the drug.

It’s unclear how Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications cause NAION. Some theories suggest that semaglutide reduces vascular health, decreasing blood flow to the eye. Others believe that it may activate GLP-1 receptors, affecting blood supply to the optic nerve.

In addition to NAION, research links Ozempic to other vision problems, including:

• Diabetic retinopathy
• Macular degeneration
• Papillitis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
• Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (retina damage caused by a lack of blood flow)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic and Wegovy to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, respectively. People with these conditions already have an increased risk of NAION and other eye issues.

Despite concerns over the link between NAION symptoms and Ozempic, the FDA has still not added the condition to the drug’s warning label.

If you experience eye problems, loss of vision or other side effects after using Ozempic, Wegovy or another GLP-1 drug, you should consult your doctor immediately.

Ozempic blindness lawsuits

NAION cases in patients who use Ozempic are on the rise. So is the number of people filing Ozempic blindness lawsuits against the drug’s maker, Novo Nordisk. On December 15, 2025, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) announced a new multidistrict litigation (MDL) to address these claims. 

The name of the mass tort 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. This GLP-1 vision loss lawsuit has been consolidated in the District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. U.S. District Judge Karen Marston is presiding over the case. As of May 1, 2026, it had 86 actions pending. 

This MDL is the second one involving personal injuries allegedly resulting from GLP-1 RA drugs. There is a pre-existing case, In re: Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RAS) Products Liability Litigation (GI Injuries), MDL No. 3094. It addresses severe gastrointestinal injuries that plaintiffs claim were caused by Ozempic and similar medications. As of May 1, 2026, it had 3,636 pending actions. Judge Marston is also overseeing this MDL.,

These lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk and other pharmaceutical manufacturers knew about the dangers of semaglutide and other GLP-1 drugs and did not warn consumers. 

Motley Rice attorneys are leaders in each of these MDLs and are reviewing new claims. 

NAION is a serious eye condition allegedly linked to Ozempic and other GLP-1s.

What causes a NAION eye stroke?

NAION is sometimes also called “eye stroke” because it occurs due to a loss of blood flow to the optic nerve. Research shows a link between Ozempic use and an increased risk of NAION. Other underlying risk factors for the condition include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Hypercholesterolemia (high LDL “bad” cholesterol)
• Hypertension (diabetes high blood pressure)
• Sleep apnea

Can you recover from NAION?

You generally can’t recover from NAION. Vision loss in the affected eye is usually permanent. Currently, there are no universally accepted, proven treatments that reverse the condition or significantly improve outcomes. 

How is NAION treated?

There is no cure for NAION vision loss. Treatment for NAION focuses on addressing underlying risk factors. 

Medically, the best course of action for patients with NAION is to see an eye doctor specializing in neuro-ophthalmology. They can diagnose and help you manage conditions associated with the disease. Management could help prevent further damage and stop NAION from spreading to the other eye. 

Motley Rice attorneys have represented thousands of patients and families who’ve suffered harm from dangerous or defective medical drugs. Motley Rice member attorney Jonathan Orent is co-lead counsel for both the pre-existing GLP-1 MDL regarding gastrointestinal issues as well as the NAION MDL targeting vision loss. He has been closely involved with shaping litigation against Novo Nordisk. 

Our law firm is currently representing numerous plaintiffs who claim harm from GLP-1 drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. These lawsuits involve the following medications:

• Ozempic
• Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
• Rybelsus® (semaglutide)
• Saxenda® (liraglutide)
• Trulicity® (dulaglutide)
• Victoza® (liraglutide)
• Wegovy
• Zepbound® (tirzepatide)

Read more on our diabetes litigation experience.

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, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, Zepbound Saxenda, Trulicity and Victoza remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.