An object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an optical film-forming pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which can reduce the problem with visibility without a reduction in productivity, such as a reduction in coating speed. A method for manufacturing an optical film-forming pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, comprising the steps of: (1) applying, to a release film, an aqueous dispersion-type pressure-sensitive adhesive including an aqueous dispersion containing a (meth)acryl-based polymer in the form of an aqueous dispersion; and (2) drying the applied aqueous dispersion-type pressure-sensitive adhesive, wherein the aqueous dispersion-type pressure-sensitive adhesive has a viscosity of 0.01 Pa·s to 0.1 Pa·s at a shear rate of 4,000 (l/s), the optical film-forming pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the release film has a surface roughness (Ra) of 10 nm to 40 nm, and the optical film-forming pressure-sensitive adhesive layer has a haze of 1% or less.