As of October 2025, multiple peer-reviewed studies and international regulatory reviews have linked semaglutide—the active ingredient in Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—to a rare but serious eye condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Often described in legal filings as “eye-rotting disease,” NAION can cause sudden, irreversible vision loss due to compromised blood flow to the optic nerve.
This article summarizes the most recent scientific evidence and regulatory findings connecting Ozempic to NAION, including cohort studies, pharmacovigilance alerts, and safety committee conclusions.
What Is NAION?
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is the second most common cause of optic nerve-related vision loss in adults over 50. It occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is disrupted, leading to:
- Sudden, painless vision loss
- Loss of peripheral or central vision
- Optic disc swelling
- Permanent damage to the optic nerve
There is no FDA-approved treatment to reverse NAION, and recovery is rare. Risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and certain medications.
Key Studies Linking Semaglutide to NAION
1. Danish Cohort Study (2024)
A landmark study published in the International Journal of Retina and Vitreous analyzed data from 424,152 patients with type 2 diabetes in Denmark. Researchers found that:
- Patients taking once-weekly semaglutide had double the five-year risk of developing NAION compared to those on non-GLP-1 therapies
- The association remained significant after adjusting for age, sex, and comorbidities
- Authors concluded that semaglutide may impair optic nerve perfusion in susceptible individuals
(Grauslund et al., 2024)
2. JAMA Ophthalmology Analysis (2025)
A retrospective cohort study published in JAMA Ophthalmology examined NAION incidence among patients prescribed semaglutide versus other diabetes medications. Findings included:
- A statistically significant increase in NAION diagnoses among semaglutide users
- Higher risk observed in patients over 55 and those with pre-existing vascular conditions
- Authors recommended further investigation and label updates
(JAMA Ophthalmology, 2025)
Regulatory Alerts and Safety Reviews
1. European Medicines Agency (EMA)
In June 2025, the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) concluded that NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide-based medicines. Key actions:
- Recommended updating product information for Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus to include NAION
- Advised discontinuation of semaglutide if NAION is diagnosed
- Cited post-market surveillance and adverse event reports as supporting evidence
(European Medicines Agency, 2025)
2. World Health Organization (WHO)
On June 27, 2025, the WHO issued a medical product alert warning healthcare professionals about the risk of NAION associated with semaglutide. The alert emphasized:
- NAION as a leading cause of vision loss in adults
- The need for early recognition and discontinuation of the drug
- Coordination with ophthalmologists for diagnosis and management
(World Health Organization, 2025)
3. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
In July 2025, the AAO responded to the EMA’s findings, stating:
- Physicians should evaluate patients reporting vision changes while on semaglutide
- Blanket discontinuation is not recommended without confirmed diagnosis
- Further research is needed to establish causality and risk thresholds
(American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2025)
Implications for Patients and Litigation
The emerging research and regulatory consensus have significant implications:
- Labeling: As of October 2025, Ozempic’s U.S. label does not include NAION, despite EMA and WHO recommendations
- Litigation: Plaintiffs allege failure to warn, negligent marketing, and concealment of known risks
- Medical practice: Ophthalmologists are increasingly screening semaglutide users for optic nerve changes
Patients who experience sudden vision loss while taking Ozempic should seek immediate evaluation and preserve all medical records. Legal teams are using these studies to support causation arguments in ongoing multidistrict litigation.
Conclusion
Multiple studies and international safety reviews now link semaglutide—marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—to an increased risk of NAION. While the condition is rare, its consequences are severe and often irreversible. As litigation expands and regulatory pressure mounts, patients and families affected by Ozempic-related vision loss may be entitled to compensation.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we advocate for pharmaceutical injury victims with precision, compassion, and strategic clarity. If you or a loved one suffered vision loss after taking Ozempic, we are here to help you understand your Ozempic NAION lawsuit options and fight for justice.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025, July 7). Should you stop taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic if you experience vision loss? Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/should-you-stop-taking-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic
- European Medicines Agency. (2025, June 6). PRAC concludes eye condition NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide medicines. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/prac-concludes-eye-condition-naion-very-rare-side-effect-semaglutide-medicines-ozempic-rybelsus-wegovy
- Grauslund, J., Abou Taha, A., Molander, L. D., Kawasaki, R., Möller, S., Højlund, K., & Stokholm, L. (2024). Once-weekly semaglutide doubles the five-year risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in a Danish cohort. International Journal of Retina and Vitreous, 10(97). https://journalretinavitreous.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40942-024-00620-x
- JAMA Ophthalmology. (2025). Risk of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in patients treated with semaglutide. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2820255
- World Health Organization. (2025, June 27). Medical product alert: Semaglutide and risk of NAION. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news/item/27-06-2025-27-06-2025-semaglutide-medicines-naion
- Helbock Law Offices. (2025 October 16). Ozempic Lawsuits Facing a $2 Billion Problem and Growing. Retrieved from https://www.helbocklaw.com/ozempic-lawsuit-facing-a-2-billion-problem-and-growing/
