Can Ozempic and Wegovy cause eye blindness?
Yes, there is a potential link between Ozempic and Wegovy (both containing semaglutide) and an increased risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. However, more research is needed to determine whether semaglutide directly causes this vision problem, as individuals with diabetes, heart disease, and other medical conditions already have a higher risk of vision-related complications.
What Is the Evidence?
A July 2024 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found an association between semaglutide use and NAION, though it did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Key Findings:
- Among194 patients with type 2 diabetes taking semaglutide, 17 experienced NAION.
- Among 361 patients taking semaglutide for obesity or overweight, 20 experienced NAION.
- Over 36 months, the cumulative incidence of NAION was 6.7% for semaglutide users vs. 0.8% for non-GLP-1 RA users.
Another study published in 2025 looked at over 150,000 patients with type 2 diabetes, and those prescribed semaglutide had a higher risk of NAION.
Experts emphasize that further studies are needed, as factors such as diabetes duration and severity may influence the risk of this eye condition.
2025 EMA Review
In 2025, a review by the European Medicines Agency found that NAION is a rare side effect of semaglutide, and that it may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people taking the medication. As a result, EMA suggested the semaglutide product information be updated to include NAION as a "very rare" side effect. They also recommended that patients who develop NAION while taking semaglutide should stop the medication.
What Are Ozempic and Wegovy Used For?
Ozempic is FDA approved to treat type 2 diabetes in addition to diet and exercise, as well as lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in certain adults. It may also be prescribed to lower the risk of worsening kidney function in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Wegovy is FDA approved for weight loss and weight maintenance in certain people 12 years and older. It is also approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease and too much weight, and for certain adults with metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Both drugs contain semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). It works to lower blood sugar by causing the pancreas to release more insulin. It also slows down your digestion, making you feel fuller longer.
Related questions
- Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
- Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
- What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
Should You Stop Taking Ozempic or Wegovy?
While these medications have potential risks, they also offer significant health benefits. If you have already been prescribed one of these medications, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society don’t recommend that you stop taking them. However, they caution that people should watch out for signs and symptoms of vision problems.
What Are the Signs of NAION?
NAION can occur unexpectedly. If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy and contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Blurry vision
- Distorted colors
- Light sensitivity
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Dark or gray spot in your vision
Pain is uncommon, and symptoms usually affect only one eye.
How to Protect Your Vision on Ozempic or Wegovy
Regular eye examinations are recommended for people taking GLP-1 agonists, especially those with diabetes or obesity. Early warning signs may include blurry vision, distorted colors, light sensitivity, or loss of peripheral vision. Patients experiencing sudden sight changes should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
This is not all the information you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not replace your doctor's instructions. Review the full product information, and discuss this information with your healthcare provider.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2025, July 7). Should You Stop Taking GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic if You Experience Vision Loss? Nation's Ophthalmologists Respond to European Agency's New Recommendation. Accessed on September 20, 2025 at https://www.aao.org/newsroom/news-releases/detail/should-you-stop-taking-glp-1-drugs-like-ozempic
- European Medicines Agency. (2025, June 6). PRAC concludes eye condition NAION is a very rare side effect of semaglutide medicines Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. Accessed on September 20, 2025 at https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/prac-concludes-eye-condition-naion-very-rare-side-effect-semaglutide-medicines-ozempic-rybelsus-wegovy
- Hathway, J. T., et. al. 2024. Risk of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy in Patients Prescribed Semaglutide. In: JAMA Ophthalmology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2024.2296
- Hazanchuk, V., et. al. 2024. Can Ozempic Affect Eye Health? Here’s What Ophthalmologists Want You to Know. Accessed 10/13/24 at https://www.aao.org/eye-health/news/can-ozempic-affect-eye-health-here-s-what-ophthalm
- Ozempic [package insert]. Updated Sept 2023. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 10/12/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2025, August 15). FDA approves treatment for serious liver disease known as 'MASH'. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/fda-approves-treatment-serious-liver-disease-known-mash
- Wang, L., Volkow, N. D., Kaelber, D. C., & Xu, R. (2025). Semaglutide or Tirzepatide and Optic Nerve and Visual Pathway Disorders in Type 2 Diabetes. JAMA network open, 8(8), e2526327. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.26327
- Wegovy [package insert]. Updated March 2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 10/12/24 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ee06186f-2aa3-4990-a760-757579d8f77b
- World Health Organization. (2025, June 27). The use of semaglutide medicines and risk of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Accessed on September 20, 2025 at https://www.who.int/news/item/27-06-2025-27-06-2025-semaglutide-medicines-naion
- Wu, K. Y., et. al. 2022. NAION: Diagnosis and Management. Accessed 10/13/24 at https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/naion-diagnosis-and-management
Read next
Ozempic Mounjaro Wegovy & Zepbound: Weight Loss Compared
Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can all lead to long-term weight loss, but only Wegovy and Zepbound are approved by the FDA for this use. In studies, Zepbound has led to a 21% weight loss in adults using the highest dose, while Wegovy has led to about a 15% weight loss.
Continue reading
Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs.
Continue reading
How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading
See also:
Related medical questions
- How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
- Which GLP-1 drug is best for weight loss?
- Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
- How does Ozempic work for weight loss?
- Can you switch between Ozempic and Mounjaro?
- Does Ozempic need to be refrigerated?
- What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?
- Will my insurance cover the cost of Ozempic?
- Saxenda vs Ozempic: For Weight Loss?
- Can you get tirzepatide from a compounding pharmacy?
- When is the best time of day to take Ozempic?
- Why am I not losing weight on Ozempic?
- Does Ozempic cause muscle loss and how to prevent it?
- Do GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro cause sulfur burps?
- Can you buy Ozempic over the counter?
- Are there natural alternatives to Ozempic for weight loss?
- Where and how should Ozempic be injected?
- Rybelsus vs Ozempic for weight loss: Which to choose?
- Ozempic Face: What causes it and how to prevent it?
- How long does Ozempic last in your system?
- How long can you stay on Ozempic?
- Ozempic and Surgery: When to stop and restart?
- How does Ozempic affect blood pressure?
- 6 Wegovy side effects you need to be aware of
- How long until I'll lose weight with Wegovy?
- How do Zepbound and Wegovy compare?
- How do you get Wegovy covered by insurance?
- When is the best time of day to take Wegovy?
- Wegovy vs Mounjaro: Which works best for weight loss?
- What is the cost of Wegovy?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Ozempic (115 questions, 229 members)
- Wegovy (50 questions, 115 members)
- Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight) (878 questions, 1,514 members)
- Diabetes, Type 2 (515 questions, 1,430 members)
- Cardiovascular Risk Reduction (102 questions, 28 members)