A pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for an optical film of the invention which is formed by applying an aqueous dispersion pressure-sensitive adhesive include an aqueous dispersion containing a base polymer dispersed in water, and then drying the applied aqueous dispersion pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the aqueous dispersion comprises a product obtained by polymerizing a monomer or monomers in water in the presence of a surfactant and a radical polymerization initiator, and the content of the surfactant is from 0.3 to 5 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the monomer or monomers, when the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is allowed to stand in water at 23° C. for one week and to separate into a water-soluble component and a water-insoluble component, the content of the water-insoluble component in the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is from 95 to 99% by weight, and the content of the surfactant in the water-soluble component is 50% by weight or less based on the amount of the water-soluble component. The pressure-sensitive adhesive layer for an optical film has high durability so that foaming and peeling can be suppressed even under high temperature or high humidity environment.