Does Ozempic Cause Eye Problems?

Ozempic, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, has gained popularity in recent years for its potential weight loss benefits. However, studies are continuing to come out showing that Ozempic may cause serious side effects, including blindness. 

If you have experienced vision problems after taking Ozempic as a weight loss drug, you may be eligible for compensation.

Levin Simes stands up for victims of personal injury and their families. For over a decade, our firm has negotiated claims and represented clients in court, obtaining billions in compensation for them. Contact us at (415) 426-3000 or use our online form to discuss your case and have our experienced drug device lawyers determine the true value of your claim.

Possible Health Complications Associated with Ozempic

Recent research has identified a new potentially profound side effect associated with semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and other medications. 

Ozempic has already been potentially linked to several other risks, including: 

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Gallstones
• Potential mental health concerns

However, semaglutide users may now face the threat of vision loss, prompting concerned patients to wonder, does Ozempic cause eye problems? 

A groundbreaking study from Harvard University has revealed a link between semaglutide and non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a severe eye condition that can cause sudden vision loss.

NAION is a rare condition that can cause sudden vision loss. Symptoms may include:

• Blurry vision
• Peripheral vision loss
• Dark spots in vision
• Changes in color perception
• Sudden blindness in one eye

If you experience these symptoms while taking semaglutide, it is crucial to stop the medication and consult a doctor immediately. NAION is a severe condition that can lead to optic nerve-related blindness, second only to glaucoma. There is no known treatment for NAION.

While studies suggest a potential link between semaglutide and NAION, more research is needed to establish a definitive connection. Individuals with diabetes are generally at a higher risk for NAION, regardless of semaglutide use. 

Harvard Study Links Ozempic and Eye Problems

A comprehensive study conducted by researchers at Harvard University has revealed a significant association between the use of semaglutide-based medications, like Ozempic, and eye problems, such as an increased risk of developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). 

In this extensive review involving over 16,800 hospital patients, researchers compared individuals taking semaglutide with those using alternative medications for diabetes and weight management. 

The findings were alarming: patients taking Ozempic or similar drugs were four to eight times more likely to develop NAION. This suggests that there may be a relationship between Ozempic and eye problems.

Can Ozempic Cause Vision Problems?

The Harvard study shows that Type 2 diabetic patients using semaglutide drugs showed an alarming 8.9% risk of developing NAION compared to just 1.8% for those on other medications. 

For individuals using Ozempic for weight loss, the risk of NAION was even higher, at 6.7%, compared to 0.8% for those on alternative drugs. 

While further research is needed to confirm these findings, the evidence suggests a strong correlation between the use of Ozempic and vision problems.

How Does Ozempic Affect Vision?

While Ozempic has proven highly effective for controlling blood sugar, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks in how Ozempic affects vision. 

Commonly reported side effects of Ozempic for non-diabetics and diabetics alike include blurred vision and worsening of diabetic eye complications such as: 

• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Dry Eye

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the tiny blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. 

In advanced stages, abnormal blood vessels can grow in the retina, leading to leakage of fluids and blood, causing symptoms such as blurred or warped vision, vision loss, and new floaters. 

While the exact reasons are still under investigation, some studies suggest that Ozempic may contribute to the worsening of diabetic retinopathy in a small number of patients.

Can Ozempic Cause Blurred Vision?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has observed that some older patients beginning semaglutide treatment may experience temporary blurred vision. 

This side effect of Ozempic causing blurred vision can also be linked to fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which can affect the shape of the eye’s lens. However, this temporary vision change is generally mild and resolves over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

Is There a Link Between Ozempic and Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are small, dark spots that seem to drift across your field of vision. They are often caused by changes in the vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills the inside of your eye. 

Ozempic and eye floaters may be connected, but they can also occur for other reasons that are common among many who take the drug, such as age-related changes in the eye or certain eye conditions such as NAION.

What to Do if You Experience Vision Issues on Ozempic

If you are taking Ozempic or another semaglutide medication, prioritizing your eye health is crucial. Regular eye exams and prompt reporting of any new symptoms to your doctor are essential steps. While semaglutide can effectively manage blood sugar and aid in weight loss, you should be on the lookout for any sudden changes in your vision, such as:

• Blurred Vision: This is a relatively common side effect, particularly during the initial stages of treatment.
• Warped Vision: If you notice a sudden change in your vision's shape, report it to your doctor.
• Flashes and Floaters: These symptoms should be promptly addressed, as they could indicate a more serious eye condition.

Consistent monitoring and communication with your healthcare providers are key to maintaining optimal eye health while taking Ozempic.

If you have experienced vision changes while taking Ozempic, please contact your doctor. If you believe that Ozempic had a direct link to your vision issues, contact Levin Simes at (415) 426-3000 or use our online form for a free case consultation.

The Recent Rise in Ozempic Lawsuits

As awareness of these side effects has grown, some Ozempic users have begun to take legal action with the help of a gastroparesis attorney.

Lawsuits have been filed against the drug's manufacturer, Eli Lilly and Company, alleging that the company failed to adequately warn consumers about the potential risks associated with Ozempic. 

In February 2024, the U.S. Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation ordered that all federal court cases related to Ozempic be consolidated in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania as an MDL.

MDLs are created to allow similar cases to be grouped together for more efficient and organized management. Sharing some similarities with a class-action lawsuit, an MDL differs in that each claim is still resolved individually, allowing for the unique aspects of each case.

The outcome of the Ozempic litigation could have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, and if the plaintiffs are successful, it could lead to increased scrutiny of drug manufacturers, drug labeling, and pharmaceutical marketing practices.

Contact the Drug Device Lawyers at Levin Simes for a Free Consultation

At Levin Simes, we have extensive experience standing up to large pharmaceutical companies. Our team of award-winning trial attorneys is dedicated to providing personalized attention and aggressive representation to every client. 

If you have suffered vision problems or other complications after taking Ozempic, contact our team today to learn how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve. Call us at (415) 426-3000 or contact us online to schedule a free case consultation.