Ozempic Blinds 1800 Americans

The wave of lawsuits alleging that Ozempic and similar GLP-1 medications caused blindness is intensifying, with plaintiffs accusing Novo Nordisk of failing to adequately warn about the risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition leading to sudden and often permanent vision loss.

Surge in Legal Actions

As of August 2025, numerous lawsuits have been filed against Novo Nordisk, claiming that the company did not sufficiently disclose the risk of NAION associated with its GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. In New Jersey, a petition has been submitted to consolidate these cases into a multicounty litigation (MCL), which, if approved, would streamline the legal process for the growing number of claims.

Plaintiffs allege that they experienced sudden vision loss after using these medications, which are prescribed for type 2 diabetes and weight management. Despite the increasing number of cases, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not added NAION to the list of known side effects on the product labels for these drugs.

“I’ve been a mechanic my whole life, now I can’t do anything hands on anymore,” said Norris, patient who stopped taking Ozempic around July 2024 but still has significantly impaired vision.

Scientific Concerns and Studies

Research has raised concerns about the link between GLP-1 medications and NAION. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology analyzed data from nine patients who developed severe vision issues while taking semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide. Seven of these patients developed NAION, a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, leading to sudden vision loss.

“It pains me to think I won’t be able to fully see my grandchildren’s faces and fully experience the biggest moments of my loved ones’ lives,’’ said plaintiff Cilette, a 64-year-old grandmother and former vice president at a large commercial bank in California.

Legal and Medical Perspectives

Legal experts argue that Novo Nordisk's failure to adequately warn about the risk of NAION constitutes negligence, particularly given the mounting scientific evidence linking GLP-1 medications to this serious eye condition. Patients who have suffered vision loss are seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

“The biggest thing is the sheer number of eye injury cases related to something that is supposed to be gastrointestinal medication and the fact that no one would ever suspect a weight loss drug is going to make them immediately blind in one eye,” King, lawyer based in Rochester, NY.

Outlook

The legal landscape surrounding Ozempic and related medications is evolving rapidly. With the potential consolidation of lawsuits into a multicounty litigation, the coming months may see significant developments in the cases alleging that these drugs cause blindness. Patients and healthcare providers are advised to stay informed about the latest findings and legal proceedings to navigate the complexities of this emerging issue.