As of October 2025, thousands of patients have filed lawsuits against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, alleging that the drug caused severe and irreversible eye damage—including a rare condition known as non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Often described in legal filings as “eye-rotting disease,” NAION can lead to sudden vision loss, optic nerve damage, and permanent blindness.
These lawsuits are part of a growing multidistrict litigation (MDL) involving GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. Plaintiffs allege that Novo Nordisk failed to adequately warn consumers and healthcare providers about the risk of vision loss and other serious complications.
This article outlines the key facts, legal claims, and strategic considerations for patients and families affected by Ozempic-related eye injuries.
What Is NAION?
Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a serious eye condition caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. It typically presents as:
- Sudden, painless vision loss in one eye
- Loss of peripheral or central vision
- Optic disc swelling visible on examination
- Permanent damage to the optic nerve
NAION is considered a medical emergency. Once vision is lost, it often cannot be restored. There is no FDA-approved treatment for reversing NAION.
Recent studies have linked semaglutide-based drugs—including Ozempic—to increased risk of NAION. A 2025 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients taking Ozempic were nearly twice as likely to develop NAION compared to non-users (King Law, 2025).
Allegations in the Lawsuits
Plaintiffs in the Ozempic vision loss lawsuits allege that:
- Novo Nordisk knew or should have known about the risk of NAION based on preclinical trials, post-market surveillance, and adverse event reports
- The company failed to include adequate warnings on Ozempic’s label
- Patients were not informed of the risk of irreversible vision loss
- Had they known, they would have chosen alternative treatments
- The concealment of risk constitutes negligent marketing and failure to warn
These lawsuits are being consolidated in federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as part of the broader GLP-1 drug MDL (Oberheiden P.C., 2025).
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Patients who developed NAION after taking Ozempic often report:
- Sudden vision loss upon waking
- Difficulty reading, driving, or recognizing faces
- No pain or redness in the affected eye
- Diagnosis confirmed by ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist
Diagnostic tools include:
- Fundus photography
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- Visual field testing
- MRI to rule out other causes
If you experienced sudden vision loss while taking Ozempic, it is critical to obtain a formal diagnosis and preserve all medical records.
Legal Eligibility and Case Criteria
To qualify for an Ozempic vision loss lawsuit, plaintiffs typically must show:
- Documented use of Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus
- Diagnosis of NAION or similar optic nerve damage
- Onset of symptoms during or shortly after drug use
- No prior history of optic neuropathy or similar conditions
- Willingness to provide medical records and pharmacy data
Cases involving permanent blindness, bilateral vision loss, or delayed diagnosis may qualify for higher compensation tiers.
Estimated Settlement Ranges
While no global settlement has been announced, legal analysts project the following ranges based on injury severity:
- Tier 1 – Permanent Blindness in One Eye: $300,000–$750,000
- Tier 2 – Severe Vision Loss with Disability: $150,000–$300,000
- Tier 3 – Diagnosed NAION with Partial Recovery: $75,000–$150,000
- Tier 4 – Suspected NAION Without Confirmation: $25,000–$75,000
These estimates are based on prior pharmaceutical injury settlements and may change as bellwether trials proceed.
Strategic Litigation Trends
Several developments are shaping the Ozempic vision loss litigation:
- A growing body of research links semaglutide drugs to NAION and other optic nerve injuries
- Plaintiffs are seeking consolidation of NAION cases within the existing GLP-1 MDL
- Novo Nordisk has not updated Ozempic’s label to include NAION warnings as of October 2025
- Attorneys are filing failure-to-warn claims under state product liability statutes
- Some cases may also include claims for emotional distress, loss of income, and loss of consortium
The litigation is still in early discovery, but the pace is accelerating as more patients come forward.
Sample Case Profiles
Case A – Confidential Settlement (2025)
- 58-year-old woman developed NAION after 8 months on Ozempic
- Lost vision in left eye; unable to continue work as a graphic designer
- Settlement: $425,000 pre-trial
Case B – Filed in Pennsylvania MDL (2025)
- 62-year-old man experienced bilateral vision loss after switching from Rybelsus to Ozempic
- Diagnosis confirmed by neuro-ophthalmologist
- Case pending; projected Tier 1 compensation
Case C – California Filing (2025)
- 47-year-old woman developed optic nerve swelling and partial blindness
- Alleged failure to warn by prescribing physician and manufacturer
- Case includes claims for emotional distress and future care costs
What Patients Should Do
If you or a loved one experienced vision loss while taking Ozempic:
- Seek immediate medical evaluation
- Request referral to an ophthalmologist or neuro-ophthalmologist
- Preserve diagnostic imaging and clinical notes
- Document your Ozempic use
- Pharmacy records, prescription history, and dosage timeline
- Include any switches to Wegovy or Rybelsus
- Consult legal counsel
- A pharmaceutical injury attorney can assess your eligibility and file within the appropriate jurisdiction
- Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence and meet filing deadlines
- Avoid direct contact with the manufacturer
- Do not sign waivers or accept informal compensation without legal review
Conclusion
Ozempic has helped many patients manage diabetes and weight—but for some, it has led to devastating vision loss. The emerging lawsuits involving NAION, often described as “eye-rotting disease,” allege that Novo Nordisk failed to warn consumers about this serious risk. As litigation expands, patients and families affected by Ozempic-related eye injuries may be entitled to significant 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 legal options and fight for justice.
References
- King Law. (2025, September 17). Ozempic blindness lawsuit [2025 update]. Retrieved from https://www.robertkinglawfirm.com/personal-injury/ozempic-lawsuit/ozempic-blindness-lawsuit/
- Oberheiden P.C. (2025, October 7). Ozempic lawsuit: Key facts for patients diagnosed with serious health complications. Retrieved from https://natlawreview.com/article/ozempic-lawsuit-key-facts-patients-diagnosed-serious-health-complications
- Lamb Law Office. (2025, May 6). Ozempic vision loss lawsuits against Novo Nordisk filed in 2025. Retrieved from https://lamblawoffice.com/ozempic-vision-loss-lawsuits-against-novo-nordisk/
- Journal of the American Medical Association. (2025). Semaglutide and risk of NAION: A retrospective cohort analysis.
