In short, yes!
An optometrist can detect brain tumours as well as other potentially life-threatening conditions. An appointment at your opticians is so much more than just checking how well you can see — it’s a general health check that can reveal hidden issues long before symptoms appear. Read on to see how an optometrist might detect such a condition.
How Can an Optometrist Spot a Brain Tumour?
The eyes are a unique window into overall health, as they are the only place in the body where blood vessels can be directly observed in real-time without the need for an invasive procedure.
Certain changes within the eye can indicate a possible brain tumour, prompting urgent referral for further investigation. These include:
🔎 Optic Nerve Swelling (Papilloedema): A brain tumour can increase pressure inside the skull, which can cause swelling of the optic nerve. This can be detected during an eye exam, even before symptoms appear. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is considered the most effective test for identifying papilloedema.
🔎 Changes in the Visual Field: Some brain tumours press on parts of the brain responsible for vision, leading to blind spots or loss of peripheral vision. Specialised visual field tests can identify these issues.
🔎 Double Vision or Abnormal Pupil Reactions: Tumours affecting the nerves controlling eye movement can cause double vision, drooping eyelids, or unusual pupil responses.
What Happens If a Brain Tumour is Suspected?
If an optometrist detects any signs that could indicate a brain tumour, they will send an urgent referral to a specialist for further testing, which may include an MRI or CT scan. It’s important to remember that these signs can also be caused by other, less serious conditions—but it’s always better to be safe and investigate further.
Should You Be Worried?
While the thought of a brain tumour is alarming, it’s essential to keep things in perspective. Brain tumours are extremely rare, and most eye-related symptoms have much less serious causes. However, this highlights why regular eye exams are so important—not just for vision, but for overall health.
Commitment to Your Health
Choose an optician that has invested in cutting-edge diagnostic technology to ensure comprehensive and precise eye examinations. Advanced equipment enables optometrists to detect even the slightest changes in eye health early and efficiently.
If it’s been a while since your last eye test, take this as your reminder—it’s about more than just clear vision! Book your appointment today to safeguard both your eye health and overall well-being.
Hayley Brunsden BSc MCOptom FBDO CL
Founder | Optometrist
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