The rise of Ozempic and Wegovy, both containing the active ingredient semaglutide, has transformed diabetes management and weight loss treatment. However, recent studies and lawsuits have raised serious concerns about a potential link between these medications and a rare eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause sudden and often irreversible vision loss.
This article provides a comprehensive, fact-filled guide to the risks of blindness associated with Ozempic and Wegovy, the ongoing lawsuits, scientific evidence, eligibility for legal action, and steps to take if affected, as of June 2025. This article provides a detailed insight on Ozempic Wegovy blindness.
What Are Ozempic and Wegovy?
Ozempic and Wegovy are injectable medications developed by Novo Nordisk, containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. These drugs mimic a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite, making them effective for:
- Ozempic: Approved in 2017 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in those with heart disease. It is often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
- Wegovy: Approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults and children over 12 with obesity or weight-related conditions.
Both medications have gained widespread popularity due to their effectiveness, but reports of severe side effects, including vision loss, have sparked legal action and public concern.
The Link Between Ozempic, Wegovy, and Blindness
What is NAION?
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a rare condition often described as a “stroke of the optic nerve.” It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, leading to sudden, painless vision loss, typically in one eye, though bilateral cases are possible. Symptoms include:
- Sudden blurred or reduced vision upon waking.
- Loss of peripheral vision or a shadow in the visual field.
- Decreased contrast or light sensitivity.
- In severe cases, permanent blindness in one or both eyes.
NAION affects approximately 10 out of 100,000 people over age 50, with higher risks for those with diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular issues. There is no cure, and vision loss is often irreversible.
Scientific Evidence Linking Semaglutide to NAION
Recent studies have highlighted a potential association between semaglutide and NAION:
- July 2024 Harvard Study: Published in JAMA Ophthalmology, this study analyzed 16,827 patients from 2017 to 2023. It found that:
- Patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide were over four times more likely to develop NAION compared to those on other diabetes medications.
- Patients with obesity or overweight using semaglutide for weight loss faced a sevenfold higher risk of NAION compared to those on non-semaglutide drugs.
- January 2025 Study: Published in medRxiv, this study of 37 million adults with type 2 diabetes reported a 32% increased relative risk of NAION for semaglutide users (14.5 per 100,000 person-years) compared to other diabetes therapies. While less dramatic than the Harvard findings, it reinforced the concern.
- June 2020 Study: Published in Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, this study identified over 140 adverse vision effects in Ozempic clinical trials, including blurred vision and optic nerve damage, laying early groundwork for NAION concerns.
- January 2025 Danish Study: A sharp rise in NAION cases in Denmark after Ozempic’s 2018 launch prompted the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to initiate a review of semaglutide’s vision risks on January 17, 2025.
Despite these findings, Novo Nordisk maintains that NAION is not a documented side effect in Ozempic or Wegovy labeling and cites limitations in study designs, such as non-randomized samples. The FDA is monitoring the situation but has not yet required a NAION warning on labels, which currently mention only general vision changes.
Why the Concern?
The absence of NAION warnings on Ozempic and Wegovy labels is a central issue in lawsuits. Plaintiffs argue that Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the risk from clinical trials, post-marketing surveillance, and adverse event reports but failed to warn patients or doctors. This alleged negligence has driven legal action, particularly as NAION’s life-altering impact, sudden blindness, amplifies the stakes.
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Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits: Current Status
As of June 2025, lawsuits alleging vision loss from Ozempic and Wegovy are gaining momentum but are not yet consolidated into the existing GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which primarily focuses on gastrointestinal injuries like gastroparesis. The MDL, overseen by Judge Karen S. Marston, includes 1,882 pending cases as of June 2, 2025, with a 20% increase in filings from August to September 2024.
NAION-related lawsuits are being filed individually, with expectations that they may be added to the MDL or consolidated into a separate multicounty litigation, as seen in New Jersey, where 21 plaintiffs sought coordination in 2025. These lawsuits claim:
- Failure to Warn: Novo Nordisk did not disclose NAION risks despite evidence from trials and adverse reports.
- Negligence: The company failed to adequately test or monitor semaglutide’s vision-related side effects.
- Product Liability: Ozempic and Wegovy are defective due to undisclosed risks, causing severe harm.
Notable Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits
- Elizabeth Pennell (North Carolina, April 2025): Filed in New Jersey federal court, Pennell alleges Ozempic use from November 2023 to June 2024 caused NAION, resulting in blurred vision and vision loss in her left eye. The lawsuit claims Novo Nordisk concealed risks to market semaglutide as a “magic pill” for weight loss.
- Todd Engel (Maryland, April 2025): Filed in New Jersey Superior Court, Engel, 62, claims Ozempic caused NAION four months after starting treatment in 2023, rendering him legally blind. He argues alternative diabetes treatments were available and would have been chosen had risks been disclosed.
- Edward Fanelli (New Jersey, 2025): A 57-year-old general contractor diagnosed with NAION eight months after starting Ozempic in October 2022, Fanelli lost his ability to work due to vision loss. He told Newsday, “If it was on the label, I definitely wouldn’t have taken it.”
- Weitz & Luxenberg Case (March 2025): This firm filed a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court for a woman who developed bilateral NAION after using Ozempic, highlighting the severity of vision loss in both eyes.
Legal Developments on Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits
- New Jersey Multicounty Litigation: In 2025, 21 New Jersey plaintiffs requested consolidation of NAION lawsuits to streamline discovery and reduce inconsistent rulings, mirroring the gastroparesis MDL.
- MDL Expansion Denied: In January 2025, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to include NAION and blood clot claims in MDL 3094, citing complexity concerns, but plaintiffs’ attorneys are pushing for inclusion.
- EMA Review: The European Medicines Agency’s January 2025 review of semaglutide’s NAION risks may influence U.S. litigation and FDA actions.
- Case Management: Judge Marston’s March 18, 2025, conference introduced a “short-form” complaint to simplify new MDL filings, potentially paving the way for NAION cases.
Potential Outcomes of Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits
- Settlements: No settlements have been reached for NAION lawsuits, but the $8.75 million Botanic Tonics settlement for kratom-related claims suggests high payouts are possible for vision loss cases due to their severity.
- Trials: Bellwether trials for gastroparesis cases are scheduled for 2026, which may set precedents for NAION claims. Outcomes will influence settlement negotiations.
- Compensation: Plaintiffs may seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, potentially reaching millions, as seen in kratom wrongful death cases ($11 million in Florida, 2023).
Health Risks and Symptoms to Watch For Ozempic and Wegovy
How Semaglutide May Cause NAION
The exact mechanism linking semaglutide to NAION is not fully understood, but researchers hypothesize that it may interfere with vascular health, reducing blood flow to the optic nerve. Patients with diabetes or obesity, already prone to vascular complications, may face heightened risks when using semaglutide.
Symptoms of NAION
If you’re taking Ozempic or Wegovy, monitor for:
- Sudden vision loss in one eye, often noticed upon waking.
- Blurred or distorted vision.
- Dark spots or shadows in the visual field.
- Loss of contrast or light sensitivity.
- In rare cases, vision loss in both eyes.
What to Do If You Experience Symptoms
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Contact an eye specialist or healthcare provider if you notice vision changes. Early diagnosis may not reverse NAION but can prevent further complications.
- Document Symptoms: Record the onset, severity, and progression of vision issues, including dates and dosages of Ozempic or Wegovy.
- Consult Your Doctor: Discuss discontinuing semaglutide with your healthcare provider, weighing risks against benefits, especially if you’re at risk for stroke or heart attack without it.
How to File an Ozempic or Wegovy Blindness Lawsuit
If you or a loved one developed NAION or vision loss after using Ozempic or Wegovy, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
You may qualify if you:
- Used Ozempic, Wegovy, or another semaglutide drug (e.g., Rybelsus) since January 2018.
- Were diagnosed with NAION or experienced sudden vision loss within one year of use.
- Have no prior history of NAION or similar eye conditions unrelated to semaglutide.
- Can demonstrate that Novo Nordisk failed to warn about NAION risks.
Note: If you’ve had gastric bypass, banding, or sleeve surgery, or are being treated for cancer, you may not qualify. Consult an Ozempic lawsuit attorney to confirm.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
Strong evidence is critical to prove causation and liability:
- Medical Records: Diagnosis of NAION, ophthalmology reports, or medical bills showing vision loss treatment.
- Prescription Records: Proof of Ozempic or Wegovy use, including pharmacy receipts or doctor’s notes.
- Product Documentation: Packaging, labels, or purchase confirmations.
- Timeline of Use and Symptoms: A detailed log linking semaglutide use to vision loss onset.
- Expert Testimony: Ophthalmologists or toxicologists to establish causation.
Step 3: Hire a Specialized Attorney
Choose a law firm experienced in product liability or defective drug cases, such as Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm. These firms offer free case evaluations and typically work on a contingency basis (no upfront fees; 30–40% of settlement or verdict). Ask about their experience with NAION and drug-related cases and whether they recommend an individual lawsuit or joining a potential MDL.
Step 4: File the Lawsuit
Your Ozempic lawsuit attorney will:
- Choose the Jurisdiction: File in a state or federal court (e.g., New Jersey, Pennsylvania) based on jurisdiction.
- Draft the Complaint: Allege failure to warn, negligence, or product liability, seeking damages for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Serve Defendants: Notify Novo Nordisk and subsidiaries.
- Join MDL or Multicounty Litigation: If NAION cases are consolidated, your case may be streamlined with others.
Step 5: Navigate the Legal Process
- Discovery: Exchange evidence, including medical records and Novo Nordisk’s clinical trial data.
- Settlement Negotiations: Many cases settle to avoid trials, potentially yielding significant payouts due to NAION’s severity.
- Trial: If no settlement is reached, your case may go to trial, with outcomes influencing broader litigation.
Step 6: Understand Potential Compensation
Compensation may include:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost income, and future care costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: To punish Novo Nordisk for alleged negligence, especially if intentional concealment is proven.
Payouts for NAION cases could be substantial, given the permanent nature of blindness, potentially mirroring multi-million-dollar kratom wrongful death verdicts.
What are the Challenges in Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits?
- Proving Causation: Novo Nordisk may argue that diabetes, obesity, or other factors caused NAION, not semaglutide. Expert testimony and studies are crucial to counter this.
- Statute of Limitations: Most states require filing within 1–3 years of the injury or diagnosis. Act promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
- FDA Labeling Defense: Novo Nordisk claims NAION is not a documented side effect, and current labels only warn of general vision changes, complicating failure-to-warn claims.
- Study Limitations: Defendants may highlight that studies like the Harvard one are not randomized clinical trials, requiring further research to confirm causation.
What to Do After Ozempic and Wegovy Injury or Blindness
- Seek Medical Evaluation: Visit an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience vision changes. Request NAION testing and document findings.
- Preserve Evidence: Retain Ozempic/Wegovy packaging, receipts, and medical records. Take photos of any remaining product.
- Contact an Attorney Promptly: Firms like Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm can assess your case for free.
- Avoid Public Statements: Refrain from discussing your case on social media or X, as defendants may use posts to undermine your claim.
- Monitor Health: Continue regular checkups, as semaglutide is linked to other side effects like gastroparesis or gallbladder issues, which may strengthen your case.
- Stay Informed: Follow FDA updates (www.fda.gov) and EMA reviews for regulatory changes that could impact litigation.
The Future of Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits
The NAION litigation is in its early stages but growing rapidly, with over a dozen cases filed by May 2025. Key trends include:
- Increasing Filings: Law firms expect thousands of NAION cases as awareness spreads, fueled by media coverage and studies.
- Regulatory Scrutiny: The EMA’s review and potential FDA action may lead to updated warning labels, strengthening plaintiffs’ claims.
- MDL Expansion: Attorneys are pushing to include NAION claims in MDL 3094, which could streamline litigation.
- Public Awareness: Xវ
System: Public Sentiment on X: Posts on X reflect growing concern about semaglutide’s vision risks, with users like @DailyMail and @zerohedge highlighting NAION studies, while others defend the drugs’ benefits. These posts are anecdotal and not conclusive evidence.
FDA Warning on Ozempic and Wegovy
As of June 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet issued a formal black box warning specifically for vision loss or NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) related to Ozempic or Wegovy. However, the FDA has acknowledged receiving an increasing number of adverse event reports involving vision disturbances, including blurred vision and optic nerve issues.
While the current labels for Ozempic and Wegovy mention general vision changes as a possible side effect, they do not specifically warn about the risk of blindness or NAION. The FDA is actively reviewing new clinical studies, adverse event data, and international regulatory assessments, including an ongoing review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Legal experts and patient advocates are urging the FDA to require stronger label warnings, citing mounting evidence from recent studies linking semaglutide to serious optic nerve damage. Consumers are advised to monitor FDA safety communications and consult their healthcare providers if they experience sudden vision changes while using these medications.
Is Blindness from Ozempic or Wegovy Reversible?
Unfortunately, blindness caused by NAION (Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy) is typically permanent. NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, leading to nerve damage. Unlike other conditions such as cataracts or some forms of glaucoma, where surgical or medical intervention can restore vision, NAION-related vision loss is generally irreversible.
In some cases, patients may experience partial spontaneous recovery, especially if the initial damage is mild. However, full restoration of lost vision is rare. The extent of recovery depends on factors such as:
- How quickly the condition was diagnosed
- Whether it affected one or both eyes
- The overall health of the patient, including vascular health
Ongoing clinical trials are investigating potential treatments to improve blood flow to the optic nerve, but currently, no FDA-approved treatment reverses NAION-induced blindness.
Key Takeaway:
If you experience sudden vision loss while using Ozempic or Wegovy, it is critical to seek emergency medical care immediately. Early detection may prevent further deterioration but is unlikely to restore vision that is already lost.
What Is the Average Payout for Ozempic or Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits?
As of June 2025, no settlements or verdicts have been reached specifically for Ozempic or Wegovy blindness lawsuits, since the litigation is still in its early stages. However, payouts in drug-related injury cases involving permanent, life-altering injuries like blindness are typically substantial.
Based on similar cases, expected compensation could range from:
- $300,000 to $800,000 for moderate, unilateral (one eye) vision loss
- $1.5 million to $3 million+ for severe or bilateral (both eyes) blindness
- Higher amounts possible if punitive damages are awarded for willful misconduct or failure to warn
Factors that influence payouts:
- Severity of vision loss (partial vs. total blindness)
- Medical costs, both current and future (including assistive devices, therapy, and home modifications)
- Lost income and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Whether punitive damages are awarded against Novo Nordisk for alleged negligence or concealment
For reference, in kratom-related wrongful death lawsuits, verdicts have exceeded $8 million to $11 million, suggesting that similar outcomes are possible for permanent blindness claims if negligence is proven.
Can I Sue if I Experienced Blurred Vision but Not Total Blindness?
Yes. You may still have a valid legal claim even if you experienced blurred vision, partial vision loss, or other significant eye-related symptoms without total blindness. The legal standard typically focuses on whether the manufacturer failed to warn about serious risks, not necessarily the absolute severity of the injury.
Qualifying conditions may include:
- Diagnosed optic nerve damage, papillitis, or early-stage NAION
- Persistent blurred vision, blind spots, loss of peripheral vision, or reduced contrast sensitivity
- Any significant, documented vision impairment following the use of Ozempic or Wegovy
Key legal arguments:
- Failure to warn: Even non-blinding vision problems can severely impact quality of life and employment.
- Product liability: If semaglutide contributed to the injury, even if it didn’t result in total blindness, you have grounds for compensation.
- Negligence: Ongoing use despite undisclosed risks may expose Novo Nordisk to liability.
Your case will be stronger with:
- A clear medical diagnosis linking vision problems to optic nerve damage
- Documentation of Ozempic or Wegovy use and the timeline of symptom onset
- Records of how the condition has impacted your daily life, work, and well-being
Conclusion
Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to a rare but serious eye condition, NAION, prompting lawsuits against Novo Nordisk for failing to warn about vision loss risks. Studies suggest semaglutide users face a significantly higher risk of NAION, with no cure and potential for permanent blindness.
Lawsuits are growing, with plaintiffs seeking compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you’ve experienced vision loss after using Ozempic or Wegovy, consult a specialized attorney to explore your legal options, gather evidence, and act within your state’s statute of limitations.
For a free case evaluation, contact firms like Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm. Stay vigilant for vision changes and monitor FDA updates for regulatory developments that may impact your case.
If you or a loved one has experienced sudden vision loss or a NAION diagnosis after using Ozempic or Wegovy, you may be eligible for significant compensation through a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk. Don’t wait, time is critical due to state statutes of limitations. Contact a specialized Ozempic and Wegovy lawsuit attorney today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation to explore your legal options.
Fill out our secure online form now to connect with our Ozempic and Wegovy attorneys who can help you seek justice and compensation for medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Act now to protect your rights and hold negligent manufacturers accountable!
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