Based on NIH | Can omeprazole cause blurred vision, and what should I do if I experience it?

Omeprazole and blurred vision: what to know Blurred vision can occur with omeprazole, although it appears to be uncommon. Official product information lists ocular side effects such as blurred vision and double vision, along with rarer optic nerve–related problems (optic neuritis, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy). ^[1] These visual symptoms are included across multiple official omeprazole labels for both professional and consumer audiences. ^{[2] [3]} In addition, a small case series has described reversible, bilateral blurred vision developing within 4–5 days of starting a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such as omeprazole and resolving after stopping the medication. ^[4]

How common is it?

• Blurred vision is not among the most frequent side effects of omeprazole, but it is recognized in official safety labeling. ^[1]
• Published reviews note that PPIs are generally well tolerated and serious adverse events are rare; visual disturbances have been reported but are considered uncommon. ^[5]

Possible mechanisms and related eye issues

• Official labeling lists a range of ocular events: dry eye, ocular irritation, blurred vision, double vision, and rare optic nerve conditions. ^[1]
• While definitive mechanisms aren’t established, the fact that symptoms in case reports improved after stopping the PPI suggests a potential drug-related effect in susceptible individuals. ^[4]
• Because optic neuritis or ischemic optic neuropathy can threaten vision, any sudden, persistent, or severe visual change deserves prompt medical evaluation. ^[1]

What to do if you experience blurred vision

• Stop driving or operating machinery if your vision is not clear, to reduce the risk of injury. ^[6]
• Contact your prescribing clinician promptly to report the symptom and discuss whether to pause or discontinue omeprazole, switch to an alternative (e.g., H2 blocker), or evaluate for other causes. ^[3]
• Seek urgent care (same day) if you have any of the following: sudden vision loss, eye pain, new double vision, visual field defects (dark curtain), severe headache, or neurological symptoms, as these can signal serious eye or brain conditions. ^[1]
• If symptoms started soon after beginning omeprazole and resolve after stopping, your clinician may consider the drug a likely contributor based on labeling and case descriptions. ^{[1] [4]}

How your clinician may evaluate it

• Review of timing (when blurred vision began relative to starting omeprazole), dose, and concurrent medicines or conditions (e.g., dry eye, migraine, diabetes). ^[1]
• Eye exam or ophthalmology referral to check visual acuity, pupils, optic nerve appearance, and ocular surface if symptoms persist or are severe. ^[1]
• Consideration of alternative acid-suppression strategies if omeprazole is implicated, balancing the benefits for your gastrointestinal condition against the risk of recurrent visual symptoms. ^[5]

Practical tips while symptoms are present

• Avoid night driving or tasks requiring sharp vision until symptoms resolve. ^[6]
• Stay hydrated and consider preservative-free artificial tears if you have dryness or irritation, recognizing that dryness alone does not fully explain sudden blur; medical assessment is still important. ^[1]
• Keep a simple symptom diary (onset date, severity, both eyes vs one eye, associated headache or dizziness) to share with your clinician. ^[4]

When it’s likely safe to continue vs stop

• Mild, transient blurring that quickly resolves and has other clear explanations (e.g., temporary dry eye) may sometimes be monitored with caution, but only after discussing with your clinician. ^[1]
• New, persistent, or worsening blurred vision, or any neurological-type visual symptoms (double vision, field loss), generally warrants pausing the medication and getting clinical guidance. ^[1]

Bottom line

• Blurred vision is an acknowledged but uncommon side effect of omeprazole and other PPIs, and it has been reported to improve after the medication is stopped. ^{[1] [4]}
• Because rare yet serious optic nerve disorders are also listed in official labeling, any significant or sudden visual change should be taken seriously and discussed with a clinician promptly. ^[1]