Based on NIH | Can sertraline cause blurred vision, and how common is this side effect?

Sertraline can cause blurred vision for some people, and this side effect is recognized across official drug information sources. In most cases, vision changes are mild and temporary, but there are rare, more serious eye problems that need prompt medical attention. ^{[1] [2]}

How common is blurred vision with sertraline?

Blurred vision is reported among “special senses” side effects in clinical trial and post‑marketing data. One detailed FDA‑sourced label summary lists blurred vision occurring in about 10–15% of users depending on the indication and comparator, suggesting it is a relatively common sensory complaint compared to many other side effects. ^[3] These rates indicate that while not everyone will experience it, blurred vision may occur in a noticeable minority of people taking sertraline. ^[3]

What types of eye issues are possible?

• General visual changes: Users may notice eyesight changes or blurred vision; these are documented as potential side effects. ^[4]
• Angle‑closure glaucoma risk: Sertraline can precipitate angle‑closure glaucoma in susceptible individuals, a sudden increase in eye pressure that can cause eye pain, visual halos, redness, and potential vision loss if not treated promptly. An eye check may be considered before starting if you are at risk. ^{[2] [5]}
• Rare case reports: There are isolated reports of double vision (diplopia) and maculopathy (retinal changes) after starting sertraline; these improved after stopping the medication, suggesting a possible link, though these events appear to be rare and not definitively established. Such cases highlight the need to take new, significant visual symptoms seriously. ^{[6] [7] [8]}

When to seek help

• Urgent symptoms: Eye pain, sudden vision changes, seeing colored halos around lights, or swelling/redness in or around the eye should prompt immediate medical attention due to the possibility of angle‑closure glaucoma. ^{[2] [5]}
• Persistent or worsening blurred vision: If blurred vision is severe or does not go away, contact your prescriber to discuss dose adjustment, timing, or alternative treatments. ^[1]

Why sertraline can affect vision

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs have been associated with eye pressure changes and angle‑closure events in predisposed people; experts have suggested that some visual disturbances reported with SSRIs could relate to intraocular pressure modifications. Individual susceptibility, anatomy of the eye (narrow angles), and medication interactions may play a role. ^{[9] [2]}

Practical tips to manage

• Monitor symptoms: Track when blurred vision occurs (e.g., shortly after dosing) and whether it improves over time. ^[1]
• Avoid risky activities: Until you know how sertraline affects you, use caution with driving or operating machinery if vision feels off. ^[2]
• Eye exam if at risk: If you have a history of glaucoma or are told you have “narrow angles,” consider an eye evaluation before or soon after starting sertraline. ^{[2] [5]}
• Medication review: Let your clinician know all medications you take, as certain drug combinations can increase the risk of eye problems or serotonin‑related complications. ^[4]

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Quick reference: visual side effects with sertraline

Aspect	What’s known
Blurred vision (general)	Reported as a side effect; relatively common in some datasets (~10–15%). [3] [4]
Angle‑closure glaucoma	Possible in predisposed individuals; presents with eye pain, halos, redness, and sudden vision changes; needs urgent care. [2] [5]
Diplopia (double vision)	Rare case report linked to sertraline; resolved on discontinuation and recurred on rechallenge. [6]
Maculopathy	Very rare case reports of bilateral maculopathy with visual blurring after initiation; partial improvement after stopping. [7] [8]
Safety advice	Use caution with activities needing clear vision; seek care for severe/persistent symptoms; consider pre‑treatment eye exam if at risk. [2] [1]

In summary, sertraline can cause blurred vision, and while it often may be mild, it is common enough to be noticed in clinical experience and labeling, and serious eye issues though rare require immediate attention. ^{[3] [2]}