Ozempic and Wegovy, two popular medications used for weight management and type 2 diabetes, have garnered significant attention for their effectiveness. However, recent concerns have emerged about potential side effects, including the risk of vision problems. Can Ozempic and Wegovy cause blindness? Some important medical organizations are urging caution but also awaiting further research into the issue.
Do Ozempic and Wegovy Cause Blindness?
According to recent studies, Ozempic and Wegovy have been linked to a rare but serious eye condition called non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked, leading to sudden vision loss, often in one eye.
While the condition is rare, the potential for permanent blindness has raised alarms among patients and healthcare professionals alike.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), NAION symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Color distortion
- Loss of peripheral vision
- A dark or gray spot in the vision that does not move
- Loss of contrast or light sensitivity
The AAO has highlighted the need for further research into the connection between these medications and NAION, urging patients to be vigilant about any changes in their vision.
“NAION usually happens without any warning,” the organization notes. “Vision loss can range from mild to severe. Most people don’t feel pain, but it can occur in up to 10 percent of patients.”
The AAO also reports that the medical community “has been aware of other vision changes with semaglutide for some time,” and that, “Previous studies have shown that semaglutide can cause blurred vision, worsening of diabetic retinopathy and macular complications. However, this appears to be a temporary side effect that goes away after three or four months.”
Study Shows Association Between Wegovy and Blindness
Fears about whether or not taking Ozempic and Wegovy can cause blindness have emerged due to a study published in JAMA Ophthalmology in July 2024. It found a potential association between taking semaglutide and NAION, but doesn’t outright prove that the drugs cause the medical condition.
More research is needed to better understand whether Ozempic or Wegovy can cause blindness. However, the potential link could be more strongly proven in the very near future, and patients or their loved ones should be prepared if that happens.
Ozempic and Wegovy Blindness Lawsuits
If you or a loved one has experienced vision issues after taking these medications, it’s important to understand your rights and options. You may be entitled to compensation through an Ozempic or Wegovy blindness lawsuit.
Pharmaceutical companies have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products and to warn consumers of potential risks. When they fail to do so, they must be held accountable. The team at Phillips Law Group can help.
Our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that vision loss can take, and we are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of those harmed by possibly dangerous medications like semaglutide.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential case and explore your legal options. Call 602-222-2222 to learn more now.
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