diff --git a/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ErrorBarItem.py b/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ErrorBarItem.py
index 4dc93a56..5e399e34 100644
--- a/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ErrorBarItem.py
+++ b/pyqtgraph/graphicsItems/ErrorBarItem.py
@@ -45,9 +45,11 @@ class ErrorBarItem(GraphicsObject):
         
         This method was added in version 0.9.9. For prior versions, use setOpts.
         """
-        if 'x' in opts and 'y' in opts:
-            self.setVisible(True)
         self.opts.update(opts)
+        if self.opts['x'] is not None and self.opts['y'] is not None:
+            self.setVisible(True)
+        else:
+            self.setVisible(False)
         self.path = None
         self.update()
         self.prepareGeometryChange()