Being diagnosed with Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) while taking Ozempic (semaglutide) can be alarming. NAION is a rare but serious condition that causes sudden, painless vision loss due to impaired blood flow to the optic nerve. For patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic, this diagnosis raises urgent questions about treatment, safety, and legal options.
This guide outlines the next steps for patients, including medical management, drug discontinuation, and legal recourse.
Step 1: Confirm the Diagnosis
If you’ve experienced sudden vision changes while on Ozempic, seek immediate evaluation by an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist. Diagnostic tools may include:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Visual field testing
- Fundus photography
- MRI (to rule out other causes)
NAION typically presents with unilateral vision loss, often noticed upon waking, and may include a dark spot, blurred central vision, or reduced color perception.
Step 2: Discuss Whether to Stop Ozempic
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) now lists NAION as a “very rare” side effect of semaglutide, recommending that treatment be discontinued if NAION is confirmed (American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2025). However, U.S. experts urge caution:
“We do not support a blanket recommendation for all patients to immediately stop taking semaglutide if they develop NAION. Instead, shared decision-making with physicians is essential.” — American Academy of Ophthalmology & NANOS
Discontinuing Ozempic may pose risks for patients with diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease. Decisions should be made collaboratively with:
- Your ophthalmologist
- Primary care physician
- Endocrinologist or neurologist
Step 3: Understand the Risk Profile
While the overall risk of NAION remains low, recent studies show a statistically significant association:
- Patients with type 2 diabetes on semaglutide had a 4.28-fold increased risk of NAION
- Those using semaglutide for weight loss had a 7.64-fold increased risk (WebMD, 2025)
Risk factors include:
- Diabetes and hypertension
- Sleep apnea
- Small optic disc anatomy
- Use of vasoconstrictive medications
Step 4: Document Everything
If you’ve been diagnosed with NAION while taking Ozempic, it’s critical to preserve:
- Medical records and diagnostic imaging
- Prescription history and dosage timeline
- Symptom onset and progression notes
- Communications with healthcare providers
This documentation is essential for both medical management and potential legal claims.
Step 5: Explore Legal Options
Thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, alleging that Ozempic caused permanent vision loss due to NAION. Legal claims typically assert:
- Failure to warn about optic nerve risks
- Inadequate post-marketing surveillance
- Long-term disability and loss of income
You may be eligible for compensation if:
- You were diagnosed with NAION while taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus
- You experienced permanent vision loss
- You were not informed of the potential risk
Legal experts estimate that NAION-related claims could result in settlements ranging from $500,000 to over $1 million, depending on severity and impact.
Step 6: Contact a Qualified Attorney
The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C. is actively investigating Ozempic-related vision loss cases. We offer:
- Free consultations for NAION claims
- Decades of experience in pharmaceutical litigation
- Proven results in securing compensation for injured patients
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with NAION while taking Ozempic, contact our San Diego office today. We’ll help you understand your rights and pursue justice.
References
American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025, July 7). Should you stop taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic if you experience vision loss? https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/should-you-stop-taking-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic
WebMD. (2025, June 17). Ozempic blindness: What it means and what to do. https://www.webmd.com/obesity/ozempic-blindness
Drugwatch. (2025). Ozempic and vision loss (NAION): What recent studies reveal. https://www.drugwatch.com/drugs/ozempic/vision-loss
Review of Optometry. (2025). Risk of NAION higher in patients on GLP-1 drugs for diabetes or weight loss. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/risk-of-naion-higher-in-patients-on-glp1-drugs-for-diabetes-or-weight-loss