Brain tumour symptoms: The sign in your eye that could be identified by an eye test
Brain tumour: Cancer Research UK on 'different types' in 2017
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Some 34 new cases of brain cancer are diagnosed each day, Cancer Research UK reports.
Research shows this type of cancer is rarely preventable, with only three percent being attributable to preventable causes.
Diagnosing it early is an important component of increasing survival rates.
Eye tests are able to look for signs of the cancer, although many people do not schedule them frequently enough.
A tumour inside the brain can produce multiple changes that are visible on the inside of the eye.
The tumour can cause a disruption to the normal circulation of cerebral spinal fluid, leading to hypertension visible in the eye.
The high pressure can apply pressure to the optic nerve, or a nearby tumour could press directly against it to cause a similar effect.
Brain Tumour Research reports brain cancer can cause symptoms in one or both eyes, such as dilation of the pupil and changing colour of the optic nerve.
Dr Andy Hepworth, Optician with Essilor, notes it isn’t just brain tumours which can be found in a routine eye exam.
He said: “There are many surprising health problems that an eye examination can catch – and like all conditions catching them early can make all the difference.”
Eye exams, he notes, can catch a variety of conditions and risk factors, such as high cholesterol, blood cancers, and some STDs and vitamin deficiencies.
A commonly identified condition in eye exams is diabetes, with high blood sugar causing damage to the tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes.
YouGov polling identified three in five people have not had their eyes tested in the past year, and one in three hadn’t in the past two years.
A third of people have admitted feeling their eyesight had gotten worse since the beginning of the pandemic.
The results from strongest among Gen X and baby boomers, who have a greater risk of losing their vision or developing preventable conditions detected in an eye exam.
The NHS recommends people have an eye test every two years, especially if you have a family history of glaucoma or diabetes.
Other symptoms of brain tumours can be found in other parts of the body, or in changes to thought and behaviour.
Loss of balance and weakness in the legs, face or along an entire side of the body can occur intermittently, getting worse over time.
Changes in senses, such as loss of smell or persistent ringing in the ears are also symptoms to watch for.
Some of the symptoms of brain tumours can also be caused by more easily treatable conditions.
Depending on the location of a tumour, it can also cause a change in personality.
Some case studies have noted the removal of a brain tumour has caused a dramatic change in behaviour linked to the changes in the brain.
These personality changes can cause a great deal of personal stress.
It is also possible for the diagnosis and treatment process can cause a person’s personality to change, as they work through their condition.
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