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Drug Interactions

What Does Xanax Do To Your Eyes?

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Klara Hatinova

Klara Hatinova

Klara is a postgraduate researcher in experimental psychology at the University of Oxford.

Can Xanax Affect Your Vision?

Yes, Xanax can, in rare cases, impact your vision and cause eye-related side effects.

Common eye-related side effects of Xanax include eye irritation, blurry vision or difficulty reading, which were reported in 63% of patients in a small study [1]. This is because Xanax is a benzodiazepine that acts on the GABA inhibitory system of the brain. GABAergic neurotransmission is essential for normal vision. Therefore, Xanax can increase the risk of eye and vision-related side effects, including slowing of eye movements [2].

Long-term use of benzodiazepines like Xanax has, in rare cases, been linked to diplopia, a condition where your eyes diverge gaze [2]. It is important to note that these effects are rare, and Xanax is a safe medication to use when consulted with your medical professional.

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Klara Hatinova

Klara Hatinova

Klara is a postgraduate researcher in experimental psychology at the University of Oxford. She has worked across a spectrum of hot topics in neuroscience, including her current project measuring reinforcement learning strategies in Parkinson’s disease. Previously, she studied the efficacy of psilocybin as a therapy for critical mental health conditions and examined molecular circadian rhythms of migraine disorders. She completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow and participated in a year abroad at the University of California, where she worked on a clinical trial for spinal cord injury.