How to Recognize NAION and What to Do If You’ve Been Affected by Ozempic or Wegovy
GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy have surged in popularity for their effectiveness in managing Type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. But as more people use these drugs, reports of a serious eye condition known as Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) have begun to surface. NAION is a rare but potentially permanent form of vision loss caused by reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.
For those who experience this condition after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, recognizing the signs and taking immediate action can make a difference not only in your medical outcome but also in preserving your legal rights. If you’ve contracted NAION or other serious conditions such as gastroparesis (delayed gastric emptying/stomach paralysis) after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, contact Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., to speak with a dedicated New York Ozempic injury lawyer.
What Is NAION?
NAION occurs when blood supply to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced or blocked, leading to damage and vision loss. Unlike other optic nerve disorders, NAION is not caused by inflammation; it’s a vascular event. The condition most often affects adults over 50, but recent case reports have linked it to younger individuals using semaglutide-based medications like Ozempic or Wegovy.
While researchers are still studying exactly how these drugs might contribute to NAION, one theory is that the medications may cause changes in blood pressure or vascular function that affect the delicate blood vessels supplying the optic nerve.
Common Symptoms of NAION
The symptoms of NAION are typically sudden and should be treated as a medical emergency. If you experience any of the following, particularly while using Ozempic or Wegovy, you may need to seek urgent ophthalmologic evaluation:
- Sudden vision loss in one eye (usually painless)
- Loss of peripheral vision or central vision
- Blurred, dim, or foggy vision
- Dark or empty areas in your visual field (visual field defects)
- Difficulty seeing in low light
For many, NAION begins upon waking in the morning. The vision loss can range from mild to severe, and in most cases, it does not improve significantly over time.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
NAION damage is often permanent. There’s currently no cure, but early diagnosis can help confirm the cause of your vision loss, rule out other dangerous conditions such as a stroke or temporal arteritis, and allow you to begin documenting your case, both medically and legally.
If you delay evaluation, your medical records may not clearly establish when symptoms began, which could weaken both your treatment options and your potential legal claim.
Steps to Take If You Suspect NAION from Ozempic or Wegovy
If you believe you are experiencing NAION, you should treat the situation as urgent, both for your health and for preserving your legal rights.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Go to an ophthalmologist or emergency department as soon as possible. Ask for a complete eye examination, including optic nerve imaging. Early medical documentation is essential. - Inform Your Doctor About Your Medications
Make sure your healthcare provider knows you have been taking Ozempic, Wegovy, or another GLP-1 receptor agonist. This information should be clearly noted in your medical records. - Document Your Symptoms and Daily Impact
Keep a written journal describing when you first noticed the vision changes, how your vision has changed over time, and how it affects your daily activities, such as driving, working, or reading. - Preserve Your Prescription Records
Save pharmacy receipts, medication packaging, and dosage information. These can be critical pieces of evidence in linking your vision loss to the drug. - Consult a Personal Injury or Product Liability Attorney
An attorney experienced in pharmaceutical injury claims can help you investigate whether you have a case, secure expert medical testimony, and file a claim before important deadlines expire.
Understanding Pharmaceutical Product Liability Claims for NAION
If you have developed NAION after using Ozempic or Wegovy, your case may fall under product liability law, which holds drug manufacturers accountable when their products cause harm.
Possible legal arguments in such cases include:
- Failure to Warn – The drug manufacturer did not adequately warn patients or doctors about the risk of NAION.
- Defective Design – The medication’s formulation inherently increases the risk of NAION.
- Negligence in Testing or Marketing – The manufacturer failed to conduct sufficient safety testing or continued marketing the drug despite evidence of potential harm.
Deadlines to File a Claim
In New York, the statute of limitations for most product liability cases is generally three years from the date of injury. However, in pharmaceutical cases, determining the “date of injury” can be complex—it might be when you first experienced symptoms, when you were diagnosed, or when you reasonably should have discovered the connection between your vision loss and the medication.
This is why it’s important to consult an attorney as soon as possible. If the defendant is a government-run hospital or clinic, or if your claim overlaps with medical malpractice allegations, shorter deadlines and notice requirements may apply.
The Importance of Evidence in NAION Cases
Proving a link between your NAION and the use of Ozempic or Wegovy often requires extensive evidence, including:
- Medical records showing your diagnosis and timeline of symptoms
- Pharmacy and prescription records confirming drug use
- Expert testimony from ophthalmologists and pharmacologists
- Scientific studies supporting the association between semaglutide drugs and NAION
Without this documentation, your claim could be more vulnerable to challenges from the drug manufacturer.
Taking Action Protects Your Health and Your Rights
NAION is a serious and life-changing condition. If you’ve experienced sudden vision loss while taking Ozempic or Wegovy, you need to take action quickly, both to protect your health and to ensure your legal rights are preserved.
An experienced New York product liability attorney can help you navigate the complex medical and legal issues, hold drug companies accountable, and pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term impact on your life.
Contact New York Personal Injury Lawyer Leandros A. Vrionedes Today
Leandros A. Vrionedes, P.C., represents individuals harmed by dangerous and defective drugs in New York. If you or someone you love has suffered vision loss after taking Ozempic or Wegovy, call our office today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward justice.
