Ozempic Vision Loss Lawsuit: The NAION Claims

The Vision-Loss Claims

Alongside the better-known lawsuits over stomach problems, a distinct group of cases focuses on the eyes. They allege that semaglutide — the drug in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus — can trigger non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, or NAION, a condition in which blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, causing sudden and usually permanent vision loss in an eye. Plaintiffs point to a July 2024 study linking semaglutide use to a higher rate of NAION and later research and a World Health Organization notice, and argue Novo Nordisk failed to warn patients and doctors.

It is important to keep this precise: the studies show an association, and researchers stress NAION remains rare; the science on causation is still developing.

The Litigation Status

Because the vision-loss claims raise different medical questions than the gastrointestinal cases, they were organized into their own consolidated federal litigation, centralized in late 2025, with a smaller but growing number of cases. As of this writing, US regulators had not required a NAION warning on the drugs’ labels, which is part of what the plaintiffs contend should change. There have been no settlements or bellwether verdicts in this newer track; it is at an early stage.

This is separate from the larger litigation alleging the drugs cause severe gastrointestinal problems like gastroparesis.

What Patients Should Know

These medications provide real benefits for diabetes and weight management for many people, and NAION is rare — do not stop a prescribed drug on your own. If you experience sudden vision changes in one eye, seek medical care immediately and tell your doctor you take semaglutide. Keep records of your prescriptions and any diagnosis. Given the unsettled science, be skeptical of advertising that presents a payout as certain.