Ozempic and Blindness: Exploring the NAION Risk and Legal Landscape in 2025

Ozempic and Wegovy drug pack

Ozempic, a groundbreaking medication containing semaglutide, has revolutionized type 2 diabetes management and weight loss treatment. However, recent studies have linked its use to a rare but severe eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), which can cause sudden, often permanent vision loss or blindness. 

This association has raised alarm among patients, healthcare providers, and regulators, prompting lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer. This comprehensive, fact-filled article examines the connection between Ozempic and blindness, including scientific evidence, health risks, ongoing legal actions, and steps for affected individuals, as of June 2025. 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is an injectable prescription drug developed by Novo Nordisk, containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2017, Ozempic is indicated for:

  • Improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attack, stroke, or death) in patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease.

Semaglutide mimics the GLP-1 hormone, stimulating insulin release, slowing gastric emptying, and suppressing appetite, which has led to its off-label use for weight loss. A higher-dose formulation, Wegovy, was approved in June 2021 for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents with obesity or weight-related conditions. Despite their efficacy, both drugs have been associated with serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, gallbladder disease, and, most recently, vision loss due to NAION.

Understanding NAION and Its Link to Ozempic

What is Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)?

NAION is a rare, debilitating condition caused by insufficient blood flow to the optic nerve, often referred to as a “stroke of the optic nerve.” It is the second most common cause of optic nerve-related vision loss after glaucoma, with an estimated incidence of 2–10 cases per 100,000 people annually, primarily affecting those over 50. Key characteristics include:

  • Sudden Onset: Painless vision loss, typically in one eye, often noticed upon waking.
  • Visual Impairments: Blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision, visual field defects (e.g., dark spots or shadows), or reduced contrast sensitivity.
  • Irreversibility: No effective treatment exists, and vision loss is usually permanent. Approximately 15% of patients may develop NAION in the other eye within five years.
  • Risk Factors: Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, sleep apnea, and small optic disc anatomy (“disc-at-risk”).

NAION’s rarity and severe outcomes make its potential link to Ozempic a critical public health concern, especially for patients already at risk due to diabetes or obesity.

Scientific Evidence Linking Ozempic to NAION

Multiple studies have identified an association between semaglutide and increased NAION risk:

  • July 2024 Harvard Study (JAMA Ophthalmology): A retrospective analysis of 16,827 patients at Massachusetts Eye and Ear from December 2017 to November 2023 found:
    • Patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide had a 4.28 times higher risk of NAION (hazard ratio [HR] 4.28, 95% CI 1.62–11.29) compared to those on non-GLP-1 diabetes medications.
    • Overweight or obese patients using semaglutide for weight loss faced a 7.64 times higher risk (HR 7.64, 95% CI 2.21–26.36) compared to those on other weight loss drugs.
    • Among 710 semaglutide users, 17 developed NAION, compared to 6 among 979 non-semaglutide users.
  • January 2025 Danish Study (medRxiv): Analyzing 60,000 type 2 diabetes patients in Denmark from 2018 to 2024, researchers reported a 2.1-fold increased risk of NAION in semaglutide users (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 2.1, 95% CI 1.3–3.4) compared to other diabetes therapies. The study noted a spike in NAION cases following Ozempic’s 2018 launch.
  • December 2024 Study (International Journal of Retina and Vitreous): A cohort study of 37 million U.S. adults with type 2 diabetes found a 32% increased relative risk of NAION in semaglutide users (14.5 per 100,000 person-years vs. 11.0 for controls, HR 1.32, 95% CI 1.08–1.61). Women and patients with hypertension showed higher susceptibility.
  • June 2020 Study (Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science): Early Ozempic clinical trials reported 142 vision-related adverse events, including optic nerve disorders, suggesting potential risks not included in labeling.

Proposed Mechanisms for Ozempic Blindness

The exact mechanism linking semaglutide to NAION is not fully elucidated, but hypotheses include:

  • Vascular Disruption: Semaglutide may alter blood flow or vascular dynamics, particularly in patients with pre-existing microvascular complications from diabetes or obesity.
  • Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Rapid glycemic changes can affect the optic nerve’s blood supply or exacerbate diabetic retinopathy, potentially triggering NAION.
  • Systemic Effects: GLP-1 agonists’ impact on blood pressure or lipid metabolism may indirectly affect optic nerve perfusion.

These studies, while not proving causation, highlight a significant association, prompting regulatory scrutiny and legal action.

Regulatory and Manufacturer Response

Novo Nordisk asserts that NAION is not an established side effect of Ozempic or Wegovy, citing limitations in study designs (e.g., retrospective, non-randomized data) and its own safety reviews, which found no causal link. The current Ozempic label warns of “changes in vision” related to blood sugar control but does not mention NAION specifically. The FDA has not required a NAION warning as of June 2025 but is reviewing adverse event reports. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) initiated a safety review of semaglutide’s NAION risk on January 17, 2025, following the Danish study, which may influence U.S. regulatory actions.

Health Risks and Symptoms to Monitor

Why is NAION a Serious Concern?

NAION’s sudden, irreversible vision loss can profoundly impact quality of life, affecting daily activities like driving, working, or reading. Its potential link to Ozempic is particularly alarming for the millions of users estimated at 9 million prescriptions in the U.S. in 2024, many of whom have risk factors like diabetes or obesity. Bilateral NAION, though rare, can lead to total blindness, as reported in some lawsuits.

Symptoms to Watch For

Patients using Ozempic or Wegovy should monitor for:

  • Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye, often upon waking.
  • Blurred or distorted vision.
  • Visual field defects (e.g., dark spots, shadows, or loss of peripheral vision).
  • Reduced contrast or light sensitivity.
  • Rarely, symptoms in both eyes.

These symptoms differ from diabetic retinopathy, which involves gradual vision changes due to retinal damage, or transient blurred vision from blood sugar fluctuations.

Immediate Steps if Symptoms Occur

  • Seek Urgent Care: Contact an ophthalmologist or visit an emergency department immediately. NAION diagnosis requires fundoscopic examination, visual field testing, or optical coherence tomography.
  • Document Symptoms: Record the onset, severity, and duration of vision changes, including Ozempic dosage and usage dates.
  • Consult Your Prescriber: Discuss discontinuing Ozempic with your healthcare provider, balancing NAION risks against diabetes or cardiovascular benefits.
  • Preserve Records: Retain medical reports, prescriptions, and Ozempic packaging for potential legal action.

Ozempic Blindness Lawsuits: Current Landscape

As of June 2025, lawsuits alleging NAION-related vision loss from Ozempic are gaining traction but remain separate from the GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Multidistrict Litigation (MDL 3094) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, which focuses on gastrointestinal injuries (e.g., gastroparesis). MDL 3094, 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 lawsuits are primarily filed in New Jersey, where Novo Nordisk’s U.S. headquarters are located, with potential for consolidation into a multicounty litigation or MDL inclusion.

Plaintiffs allege:

  • Failure to Warn: Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about NAION risks from clinical trials and adverse event reports but failed to warn patients or physicians.
  • Negligence: Inadequate testing of semaglutide’s ocular safety.
  • Product Liability: Ozempic is defective due to undisclosed risks causing severe harm.

Key Lawsuit Examples

  • Elizabeth Pennell (North Carolina, April 2025): Filed in New Jersey federal court, Pennell alleges Ozempic use from November 2023 to June 2024 caused NAION, leading to blurred vision and left-eye vision loss. She claims Novo Nordisk marketed Ozempic as safe despite known risks.
  • Todd Engel (Maryland, April 2025): Filed in New Jersey Superior Court, Engel, 62, developed NAION four months after starting Ozempic in August 2023, becoming legally blind. He argues alternative diabetes drugs were safer options.
  • Edward Fanelli (New Jersey, 2025): A 57-year-old contractor diagnosed with NAION eight months after starting Ozempic in October 2022, Fanelli lost his ability to work. He told Newsday, “If it was on the label, I definitely wouldn’t have taken it.”
  • Weitz & Luxenberg Case (March 2025): Filed in New Jersey Superior Court, this lawsuit involves a woman with bilateral NAION after Ozempic use, emphasizing the severity of dual-eye blindness.

Legal Developments

  • New Jersey Multicounty Litigation: In 2025, 21 New Jersey plaintiffs sought to consolidate NAION lawsuits to streamline discovery and avoid inconsistent rulings, mirroring the MDL structure.
  • MDL Exclusion: On January 9, 2025, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation declined to include NAION claims in MDL 3094 due to differing injury profiles, but plaintiffs’ attorneys are advocating for inclusion or a separate NAION MDL.
  • EMA Review Impact: The EMA’s January 2025 investigation may provide additional evidence for plaintiffs, potentially prompting FDA label updates.
  • Case Management: Judge Marston’s March 18, 2025, conference introduced a “short-form” complaint to simplify MDL filings, which could facilitate NAION case integration.

Potential Outcomes

  • Settlements: No NAION-specific settlements have been reported, but precedents like the $8.75 million Botanic Tonics settlement for kratom-related claims suggest significant payouts are possible due to blindness’s impact.
  • Trials: Bellwether trials for gastroparesis cases in MDL 3094 are set for 2026, potentially influencing NAION case strategies.
  • Compensation: Damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages, with potential awards in the millions, as seen in kratom wrongful death cases ($11 million, Florida, 2023).

How to File an Ozempic Blindness Lawsuit

If you’ve developed NAION or vision loss after using Ozempic, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Assess Eligibility

You may qualify if you:

  • Used Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus (another semaglutide drug) since January 2018.
  • Received a NAION diagnosis or experienced sudden vision loss within one year of use.
  • Have no prior NAION history or unrelated optic nerve conditions.
  • Can show Novo Nordisk failed to warn about NAION risks.

Exclusions: Patients with gastric bypass, banding, sleeve surgery, or active cancer treatment may not qualify. Consult an attorney to verify.

Step 2: Collect Evidence

Build a strong case with:

  • Medical Records: NAION diagnosis, ophthalmology reports, visual field tests, or medical bills.
  • Prescription Evidence: Pharmacy receipts, doctor’s notes, or insurance claims proving Ozempic use.
  • Product Materials: Ozempic packaging, labels, or purchase confirmations.
  • Timeline: Detailed log of Ozempic use and vision loss onset.
  • Expert Testimony: Ophthalmologists or pharmacologists to link semaglutide to NAION.

Step 3: Hire a Specialized Attorney

Engage a law firm experienced in defective drug litigation, such as Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm. These firms offer free case evaluations and operate on contingency (no upfront fees; typically 30–40% of settlement). Inquire about their NAION lawsuit experience and strategy for MDL or individual filings.

Step 4: File the Lawsuit

Your attorney will:

  • Choose the Jurisdiction: File in state (e.g., New Jersey) or federal court based on jurisdiction.
  • Draft Complaint: Allege failure to warn, negligence, or product liability, seeking economic and non-economic damages.
  • Serve Defendants: Notify Novo Nordisk and subsidiaries.
  • Explore Consolidation: Join a potential MDL or multicounty litigation for efficiency.

Step 5: Navigate the Legal Process

  • Discovery: Exchange evidence, including Novo Nordisk’s clinical trial data and adverse event reports.
  • Settlement Negotiations: Many cases settle to avoid trials, potentially yielding significant compensation.
  • Trial: If unresolved, cases may proceed to trial, with outcomes shaping broader litigation.

Step 6: Understand Potential Compensation

Damages may cover:

  • Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost income, future care costs.
  • Non-Economic Damages: Pain, suffering, emotional distress, loss of quality of life.
  • Punitive Damages: To penalize Novo Nordisk for alleged negligence, especially if intentional concealment is proven.

Given NAION’s life-altering impact, awards could be substantial, potentially in the millions, as seen in comparable cases.

Challenges in Ozempic Blindness Lawsuits

  • Causation Disputes: Novo Nordisk may argue that diabetes, hypertension, or other risk factors caused NAION, not semaglutide. Robust studies and expert testimony are essential to counter this.
  • Statute of Limitations: Most states require filing within 1–3 years of diagnosis or injury discovery. Delays can bar claims.
  • Labeling Defense: Novo Nordisk emphasizes that NAION is not listed on Ozempic’s label, and general vision warnings cover related risks.
  • Study Limitations: Defendants may exploit the non-randomized nature of studies, arguing they don’t prove causation. Ongoing research may strengthen plaintiffs’ cases.

Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals

  • Seek Immediate Medical Evaluation: Visit an ophthalmologist for NAION testing (e.g., fundoscopy, visual field tests). Document findings thoroughly.
  • Preserve Evidence: Retain Ozempic packaging, receipts, medical records, and prescriptions. Photograph any remaining product.
  • Contact an Attorney Promptly: Consult firms like TorHoerman Law or Weitz & Luxenberg for a free case review to meet filing deadlines.
  • Avoid Public Disclosures: Refrain from discussing your case on social media or platforms like X, as defendants may use posts to undermine your claim.
  • Monitor Other Side Effects: Be alert for additional Ozempic-related issues (e.g., gastroparesis, gallbladder disease), which may support your case.
  • Stay Informed: Follow FDA updates (www.fda.gov) and the EMA’s review for regulatory changes that could impact litigation.

Public Sentiment and Future Outlook

Public discourse on platforms like X reflects growing awareness of Ozempic’s NAION risks. Posts from outlets like @DailyMail (July 2024) and @zerohedge (January 2025) emphasize the Harvard and Danish studies, labeling NAION a “shocking” side effect, while some users defend semaglutide’s benefits for diabetes and weight loss. These posts are anecdotal and not definitive evidence but highlight public concern.

The NAION litigation is expanding, with law firms anticipating thousands of claims as awareness grows. The EMA’s review, expected to conclude in 2025, may lead to updated labeling or restrictions, bolstering plaintiffs’ arguments. If NAION cases are consolidated into MDL 3094 or a separate MDL, litigation could scale significantly, with bellwether trials in 2026 setting compensation precedents. Ongoing research, including randomized trials, will be critical to establishing causation and shaping regulatory and legal outcomes.

Conclusion

Ozempic’s association with NAION, a rare condition causing sudden and often permanent vision loss, has sparked serious health and legal concerns, supported by studies showing a 2–7-fold increased risk in semaglutide users. Lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, alleging failure to warn of NAION risks, are mounting, with cases like those of Todd Engel and Elizabeth Pennell underscoring the devastating consequences of blindness. 

If you’ve experienced vision loss or NAION after using Ozempic, seek immediate medical care and consult a specialized attorney for a free case evaluation. Firms Georgia Wrongful Death Attorney P.C. and Wetherington Law Firm can guide you toward justice and compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and suffering. Act swiftly to preserve evidence and stay updated on FDA and EMA developments to protect your health and legal options. Contact us today for free case evaluation. 

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