WHO Confirms Ozempic NAION Vision Loss Risk

Global Medical Alert: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus Linked to Irreversible Vision Loss and NAION Risk

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a formal safety alert confirming that semaglutide medications, including Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®, and Rybelsus^® are associated with a very rare but serious risk of permanent vision loss caused by non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). This announcement follows a detailed review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and WHO’s own Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicinal Products (ACSoMP).

NAION is a serious and irreversible eye condition that can result in sudden blindness. According to WHO, the risk is now supported by data from clinical trials, real-world case reports, post-marketing surveillance, and medical literature. Patients using semaglutide are now officially advised to discontinue treatment if NAION is diagnosed, and to immediately consult a doctor if any changes in vision occur during use.

This alert represents a pivotal moment in semaglutide safety oversight and opens the door for thousands of injured patients to pursue legal accountability for their vision loss.

What Is NAION and Why Is It So Dangerous?

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a form of optic nerve damage that occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is interrupted. Unlike other types of vision loss, NAION typically develops suddenly and without pain, often noticed upon waking. It most commonly affects just one eye and causes a partial or complete loss of vision that is usually permanent.

Key facts about NAION:

• Second-leading cause of optic nerve blindness after glaucoma.
• No effective treatment or cure once damage occurs.
• Results in permanent disability, affecting work, driving, and daily life.
• Often strikes individuals with vascular risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure), but has now been linked directly to semaglutide use.

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, originally developed for treating type 2 diabetes and later expanded to manage obesity. It works by slowing gastric emptying and regulating insulin and appetite, but its full systemic effects are still under investigation. The vision loss warning is the latest—and one of the most serious—emerging safety signals.

WHO and EMA Confirm NAION as a “Very Rare” Side Effect

In May 2025, the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) completed a comprehensive evaluation of the NAION risk and semaglutide. Their review included:

• Data from non-clinical studies
• Clinical trial data
• Case safety reports (ICSRs) submitted to global databases
• Peer-reviewed medical publications

Based on this evidence, the EMA determined that NAION occurs at a frequency of up to 1 in 10,000 patients, classifying it as a “very rare” but serious side effect. As a result, the EMA ordered mandatory labeling updates for all semaglutide products, including new language in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and patient Package Leaflet.

According to the EMA:

“Data from epidemiological studies indicate an increased risk for non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) during treatment with semaglutide. There is no identified time interval for when NAION may develop following the start of treatment. A sudden loss of vision should lead to ophthalmological examination, and treatment with semaglutide should be discontinued if NAION is confirmed.”

WHO’s ACSoMP echoed these conclusions and recommended that the Risk Management Plan for semaglutide be formally updated to include NAION. This includes enhanced pharmacovigilance activities and safety warnings to inform healthcare providers and patients of this irreversible threat.

Reported Cases of Vision Loss Worldwide

According to the WHO, the VigiBase global database has received reports of patients in multiple countries developing NAION after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus. These case safety reports reflect real-world harm and highlight the global scale of the risk.

While the frequency is considered “very rare,” the sheer volume of semaglutide users worldwide—estimated in the tens of millions—means that thousands of individuals may face this vision risk. The WHO warning is designed to raise awareness among healthcare providers, pharmacists, and regulators worldwide.

Patient Guidance: What You Should Do Now

If you are currently taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, or recently stopped using one of these medications, it is critical to be aware of the following:

• Do not ignore vision changes — if you notice sudden or worsening eyesight, seek medical attention immediately
• Ask your doctor about NAION if you are using a semaglutide drug
• Document any symptoms or diagnosis of optic nerve disorders
• Consult a qualified legal professional if you were diagnosed with NAION or suffered vision loss during or after semaglutide treatment

Legal Rights for Ozempic Vision Loss Victims

Parker Waichman LLP represents patients across the United States who have developed NAION, permanent vision loss, or blindness after using semaglutide drugs. The firm is actively filing lawsuits and investigating claims that manufacturers failed to adequately warn consumers about these risks.

“People trusted that these medications were safe for use,” said Jason Goldstein, Senior Litigation Counsel at Parker Waichman LLP. “This new EMA and WHO confirmation underscores what we have been seeing through our clients’ experiences—sudden, devastating loss of vision that changes lives forever.”

Lawsuits may seek compensation for:

• Medical treatment and ongoing care
• Vision rehabilitation and assistive devices
• Lost wages and career impact
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Punitive damages for failure to warn

FAQs About Semaglutide Vision Loss and Lawsuits

1. What is NAION?  NAION stands for non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition in which the blood supply to the optic nerve is disrupted. It typically causes sudden vision loss in one eye, often upon waking, and is usually permanent. There is no effective treatment.
2. Which medications are linked to NAION?  According to the WHO and EMA, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus—all semaglutide-based medications—have been associated with a very rare but serious risk of NAION.
3. How do I know if I have NAION?  The most common sign is sudden, painless vision loss, usually in one eye. Other symptoms may include dimmed vision, shadows, or blind spots. Anyone experiencing these symptoms while taking semaglutide should seek emergency eye care.
4. Has this risk been acknowledged by regulators?  Yes. In 2025, the European Medicines Agency and World Health Organization both confirmed NAION as a rare but serious side effect of semaglutide. Labeling updates have been mandated in the EU.
5. What should I do if I lost vision after taking Ozempic?  First, consult an ophthalmologist immediately. If NAION is confirmed, stop taking semaglutide and seek legal advice. Parker Waichman LLP offers free case evaluations for individuals who have experienced vision loss linked to these drugs.
6. Do I have a lawsuit if I suffered vision loss?  You may be eligible for a product liability claim. These cases argue that the drug manufacturer failed to warn about a known risk of irreversible eye damage. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, and permanent disability.
7. Is Parker Waichman handling these cases?  Yes. Parker Waichman LLP is currently representing victims of semaglutide-related NAION and vision loss across the country. The firm is filing claims on behalf of patients who were harmed due to a lack of adequate safety disclosures.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For A Free Case Review

If you or a loved one suffered sudden vision loss, NAION, or blindness after taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or Rybelsus, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The national legal team at Parker Waichman LLP is investigating these claims and fighting to hold drug manufacturers accountable for failing to warn patients about the irreversible risks associated with their products.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) now for a free consultation. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let our experienced attorneys help you understand your rights and take legal action to protect your future. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide Ozempic NAION Vision Loss Law Firm is ready to assist you.