Can Ibuprofen cause blurred vision? I had a BA and TT July 11.

Question

I'm experiencing eye strain and blurred vision. I had the nausea patch and that definitely blurred my vision, but since that has been gone since day 3, I think that should be gone from my system. I've been takin 800mg of Ibuprofen 3x/ day. I was telling my husband that my vision seems off and I'm struggling to read both close and far away. He wondered if it was the ibuprofen. Is that reasonable and if so, when would I see (ha!) improvement? I'm stopping ibuprofen

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your eye issues.  I do not think that ibuprofen is causing your eye symptoms and the scopolamine patch is the more likely culprit.  I would voice your concerns to your surgeon as it would be important to diagnose the cause - eye irritation, corneal abrasion, medication side-effect - to determine the best course of treatment.  Hope this helps.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You should check with your surgeon as your surgeon would be the best person to answer that question as only your surgeon knows the exact procedure performed along with your medical history. Good luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

It is unlikely from the Ibuprofen.  If your surgeon used a Scopolamine patch (anti-nausea) during surgery this might be the cause.  Please discuss with your surgeon so he/she can recommend the most appropriate treatment plan at this time. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.

Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.

Dr. Schwartz

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Director-Beverly Hills Breast and Body Institute

#RealSelf100Surgeon

#RealSelfCORESurgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Blurred vision is not a typical side effect of ibuprofen.  If you still have the nausea patch on it may be your culprit.  If you touch the patch at all you need to wash your hands with soap and water.  If you touch the patch and then touch or rub your eyes you can experience vision issues.  They are temporary but avoidable.  Visit with your surgeon to discuss your concerns.

Amy Simon, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question about blurred vision
after your breast augmentation surgery.  Certainly, this side effect can
result from any number of medications including ibuprofen and the scopolamine
patch.  Discuss with your board certified plastic surgeon, but it sounds like stopping all medications
for a period of time might give you the answer.  I hope this is helpful to
you.  Best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Different people may have different reactions to medications. The Scopolamine patch could have given blurred vision, and its effects slowly wear off. However, it might be best that you avoid all medication now to see if your visions improves. If not, I would suggest seeing an ophthalmologist. Please let your surgeon know of your difficulties.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question, and I'm sorry to hear you are having that issue. No, I'm not aware of any link between short-term ibuprofen use and vision changes. It would definitely be worth seeing an ophthalmologist though. Vision symptoms we do see sometimes after surgery are things like a corneal abrasions (like a scratch on the outer surface of the eye), and dry/itchy eyes, but usually not changes in near/far vision. Best wishes on your recovery.

Can Ibuprofen cause blurred vision? I had a BA and TT July 11.

Answers (7)