Ozempic, one of the most popular medications for managing type 2 diabetes and promoting weight loss, is now at the center of a controversy after a user claimed to have gone blind following the use of this drug. That individual has now filed a lawsuit against the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. But does Ozempic really cause vision problems? Here’s what we know so far.

Does Ozempic cause vision problems?

A new scientific analysis has raised concerns about the eye safety of certain weight loss treatments. Two studies published in JAMA examined thousands of people with type 2 diabetes who were using drugs based on semaglutide and tirzepatide — including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound — to determine potential side effects on vision.

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One of the studies reported a slight increase in cases of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a rare condition that can cause sudden blindness due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Out of more than 159,000 participants, 35 developed this complication compared to 19 in the control group. Nearly 100 others were diagnosed with additional optic nerve disorders.

The second study showed less conclusive results: it did not find a statistically significant link between GLP-1 drugs and NAION, although it did note a small rise in diabetic retinopathy, which directly affects the retina. Nevertheless, experts highlighted that patients taking these medications experienced fewer severe vision-related complications overall.

Doctors such as Sue Decotiis agree that more research is needed, as current evidence remains contradictory. For its part, Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, maintains that its clinical trial data do not support a causal link between GLP-1 agonists and NAION.

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Lawsuit filed against Novo Nordisk

Todd Engel, a 62-year-old man from Maryland, filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk after losing his vision irreversibly while being treated with Ozempic. According to the court documents, the drug was prescribed to him in 2023, and just months later he began experiencing eye problems that ultimately led to legal blindness.

The complaint alleges that the company had been aware of reports linking its clinical trials to potential vision damage but chose not to include warnings on the drug’s label. Engel argues that this omission deprived patients of the ability to weigh the risks and consider alternative treatments.

The lawsuit was filed in New Jersey Superior Court and accuses the company of negligence. Engel, who had been employed as a heavy equipment operator, claims that his vision loss forced him to leave his job, prevented him from driving, and drastically changed his personal and family life. His attorney, from the law firm Motley Rice, stated that if Engel had been warned about the risk, he might have made a different treatment choice.

Novo Nordisk, in response, said there is no conclusive evidence linking semaglutide to severe eye problems, but emphasized that it carefully reviews all safety reports it receives.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (semaglutide), available in doses of 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg, is a prescription-only injectable treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. Its primary purpose is to help regulate blood sugar levels, alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

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Beyond glucose control, the medication has shown additional benefits: it lowers the likelihood of major cardiovascular complications such as heart attack, stroke, or death related to heart disease in type 2 diabetes patients with underlying heart conditions.

It is also approved for kidney protection. In adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, Ozempic can slow disease progression, reduce the risk of advanced kidney failure, and even lower mortality linked to cardiovascular problems.

Is Ozempic for weight loss?

Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss or long-term weight management.

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