GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, Trulicity®, and Mounjaro®, have been praised for helping people manage type 2 diabetes and achieve weight loss. But as their popularity has grown, so have concerns about serious side effects. One of the most alarming is sudden vision loss, which has been linked to a rare and potentially blinding condition called Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION).
If you’ve experienced sudden vision changes while taking a GLP-1 drug, you’re not alone. This blog will walk you through what we currently know about this issue, explain how it differs from diabetic related eye conditions, and outline the steps you can take if you or someone you love has been affected.
GLP-1 medications function as receptor agonists, meaning they mimic GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced by your body. As an injectable medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists increase insulin, slow digestion, and increase feelings of fullness, lowering blood sugar and aiding in weight loss.
One of the most well-known GLP-1 receptor agonists is semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. While semaglutide was initially developed to treat type 2 diabetes, it's now also widely prescribed for weight management.
Other medications in the GLP–1 class include Rybelsus, Trulicity, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. These drugs were first used to help people with diabetes when other treatments weren't enough. As weight loss benefits became more widely known, doctors began to prescribe GLP-1 medications for obesity and weight loss instead of just diabetes.
Because of their dual purpose—managing diabetes and supporting weight loss—GLP-1 receptor agonists are now commonly prescribed and used, with 12% of adults having reported taking a GLP-1 drug as of 2024. But with their rising popularity comes the need to understand their full range of side effects, including the rare but serious risk of NAION.
Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is a condition that causes sudden, painless vision loss, usually in one eye. It occurs when the blood flow to the optic nerve is reduced, damaging the nerve and impairing vision. The optic nerve acts like a cable, sending visual signals from your eyes to your brain. It can stop working when part of it is starved of oxygen and nutrients. While vision loss is painless, there is usually little chance for improvement.
A 2024 study from Mass General Brigham has raised serious concerns about a possible link between GLP-1 drugs and NAION.
The study examined medical records from more than 17,000 patients over six years. Results concluded that those who took GLP-1 medications were over four times more likely to develop NAION compared to those who used a different medication for diabetes or weight loss.
Although these findings are preliminary and more research is needed, this evidence adds to growing concerns that, although effective for weight loss and blood sugar control, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may cause serious vision-related side effects that patients deserve to know about.
NAION most commonly affects an estimated 10 people per 100,000 each year, with those over 50 being most susceptible to the condition. It typically occurs without warning, and most patients notice vision loss upon waking up.
Recognizing the signs of NAION is key to taking action. NAION symptoms typically include:
Because NAION doesn’t cause pain, some may dismiss the symptoms as fatigue or normal aging. But if you notice any changes in your vision, especially if you’ve used a GLP-1 medication, it’s important to see an ophthalmologist right away.
While vision issues can be a complication of diabetes, NAION and diabetic retinopathy are distinct conditions:
If you’re taking a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Wegovy and notice sudden changes in your vision, contact an eye doctor or a trusted healthcare provider right away.
Here’s what to do next:
Your doctor will be able to address any concerns and provide an accurate diagnosis for your vision loss. While there's no proven treatment to reverse NAION, catching it early can help protect your other eye and give you more options for support.
If you were diagnosed with NAION after taking a GLP-1 medication, you may qualify to join the GLP-1 lawsuit. Manufacturers failed to adequately warn patients about the risks of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, leaving users in the dark about the potential consequences of their medication. The GLP-1 lawsuit offers patients the opportunity to gain compensation and hold manufacturers accountable for negligence.
You may be eligible to join the GLP-1 lawsuit if:
We are proud to represent individuals and families harmed by defective or dangerous drugs, including those impacted by semaglutide and GLP-1 medication-related vision loss. Our firm brings decades of experience in high-stakes pharmaceutical litigation, with a proven track record of standing up to powerful drug manufacturers.
We understand that the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially for those already coping with fear, frustration, and physical loss. That's why we prioritize:
At Napoli Shkolnik, our goal is to advocate on your behalf and make sure you feel heard, supported, and respected. We know joining a lawsuit can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with health concerns. We’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
If you’ve experienced sudden vision loss after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro, it’s important to take action now. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can help you understand your rights, protect your health, and explore your legal options. You’re not alone, and you deserve answers, compassion, and the opportunity for justice.
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