An optometrist is raising awareness about three eye symptoms that could indicate a potentially deadly brain tumour. Certain vision changes warrant professional attention, he warned.
This health alert follows TV star Davina McCall’s recent revelation that she faced a brain tumour scare. The 57-year-old underwent urgent surgery to remove a colloid cyst after dismissing initial symptoms as menopausal effects.
Speaking to The Times, Davina reflected on her oversight of signs like “brain fog” and memory issues, which were actually linked to the cyst located along her short-term memory pathway. Memory difficulties are among the NHS ’s cited indicators of a brain tumour, including headaches, seizures, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and weakness or paralysis on one side.
“Vision problems” also feature on this list. Highlighting these symptoms, Stephen Hannan, clinical services director at Optical Express, advised vigilance towards any sudden or inexplicable visual disturbances.
He said: “People often assume that changes in their vision just mean they need new glasses, but sometimes the cause is far more serious. Early timely intervention can be critical. Brain tumours can press against the optic nerve, causing blurred or double vision and these early warning signs should never be ignored.”
The Brain Tumour Charity has noted that one in three individuals battling a brain tumour may encounter changes in their vision as one of the initial symptoms. However, such warning signals are frequently dismissed since they can emerge slowly over time.
In the UK each year, more than 12,000 people receive a brain tumour diagnosis, and it has been proven that spotting the disease early can vastly enhance the possibilities for successful treatment. With this in mind, Stephen has made a plea for the public to ensure they keep up with regular eye exams.
He continued: “Optometrists play a vital role in detecting potential health concerns beyond just eyesight, which is why we always say that if you notice any unusual changes, it’s essential to get checked as soon as possible.” He called for routine eye examinations at least once every two years, or even more frequently if any changes in vision occur.
Brain tumours might be non-malignant or slow-growing and less likely to recur post-treatment, whereas others could be cancerous, either originating within the brain or migrating there as secondary tumours. Such tumours have a higher risk of reoccurring after treatment. Anyone who suspects they might have symptoms indicative of a brain tumour should consult their GP.