A Maryland man, Todd Engel, claims that the weight-loss drug Ozempic caused him to lose his vision, leaving him legally blind. Engel, 63, was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 for diabetes management. Four months after starting the medication, he was diagnosed with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION), a condition that can lead to sudden and permanent vision loss. Engel reported that he first noticed vision issues on New Year’s Eve 2024, stating, 'I can’t see in my right eye. It’s totally black.'
Following further testing at Johns Hopkins’ Wilmer Eye Institute, Engel learned he had suffered an 'eye stroke.' Despite normal blood work and blood pressure, Engel continued taking Ozempic, as neither he nor his doctors were aware of a potential link between semaglutide and NAION. Approximately ten months later, he experienced vision loss in his left eye.
Doctors informed Engel that there were no treatments available to restore his vision. Engel has since filed a lawsuit against Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, alleging the company did not adequately warn patients and doctors about the risk of vision loss. He is one of many individuals pursuing legal action against manufacturers of GLP-1 medications, including claims that these drugs caused NAION.
The lawsuits assert that manufacturers failed to provide sufficient warnings regarding potential risks, although a definitive causal relationship between the medications and the condition has not been established. Engel, who worked as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for about 40 years, expressed that his vision loss has significantly impacted his life and ability to perform daily activities.
Engel's wife, Shelley, noted that the vision loss has affected their entire family. Engel stated, 'I will never be able to see my wife’s beautiful face again,' emphasizing the emotional toll of his condition. He expressed that had he been warned about a possible link between Ozempic and vision loss, he would have chosen not to take the drug.
The Engels hope that by sharing their story, they can prevent others from experiencing similar outcomes. Their attorney, Jonathan Orent, is seeking to add a warning about the potential risks of Ozempic to its label in the US, similar to warnings provided in Europe. Novo Nordisk has disputed the claims, stating that the evidence does not confirm a causal relationship between semaglutide and NAION, and they continue to monitor the condition as part of their drug-safety surveillance.