From the FDA Drug Label
EENT Frequent were tinnitus, sore throat, and nasal congestion; infrequent were redness and itching of the eyes, altered taste, altered smell, and conjunctivitis; rare were inner ear abnormality, eye pain, photophobia, and pressure on eyes. The effects of Buspirone on the eyes include:
- Infrequent: redness and itching of the eyes, conjunctivitis
- Rare: eye pain, photophobia, pressure on eyes, inner ear abnormality 1
From the Research
Buspirone is not commonly associated with significant eye-related side effects, and when they do occur, they are typically mild and temporary, such as blurred vision, changes in pupil size, or dry eyes, affecting less than 10% of users 2. The effects of buspirone on the eyes are not well-documented in the provided studies, but according to the most recent and highest quality study, buspirone is not typically associated with significant ocular adverse effects 2. Some patients may experience visual disturbances, but these are usually mild and temporary. The standard dosing of buspirone (typically 5-30 mg daily, divided into multiple doses) rarely causes significant eye issues, but individuals with pre-existing eye conditions should monitor any changes carefully 3, 4. Staying hydrated and taking breaks from screen time may help minimize eye discomfort if it occurs while on this medication. It is essential to note that buspirone works on serotonin receptors in the brain, and some of these receptors are also present in ocular tissues, which may contribute to the occasional eye-related side effects 4. However, the overall risk of significant eye problems with buspirone is low, and it is considered a safe and effective treatment option for anxiety disorders 5. If you experience persistent or severe eye problems while taking buspirone, contact your healthcare provider promptly. In general, the benefits of buspirone in treating anxiety disorders outweigh the potential risks of eye-related side effects, and it can be a useful addition to the treatments available for generalized anxiety 3.