If you were recently diagnosed with a brain tumor, you may have experienced changes in your vision as part of the symptoms. Your eye doctor may recommend special treatment for these as you undergo general treatment to remove the tumor. The guide below looks closer at this condition and what to expect moving forward.

What Causes Brain Tumors?

Brain tumors are caused by changes in DNA inside of your brain cells. In about 5-10% of cancerous cases, the problem is inherited. Chemical and radiation exposure can also play a part. Like many conditions, your risk increases as you age. Caucasians are more likely to develop brain tumors, but they are more malignant among those of African-American descent.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms of brain tumors vary greatly by the patient. Some may experience headaches, seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting, memory problems, difficulty with motor skills, and changes in personality. The specific symptoms may depend on the area of the brain in which the tumor is present. If the tumor is putting pressure on the optic nerve or causing the optic disc to swell, it can cause blurry vision, double vision, fleeting loss of vision, or difficulty identifying objects or colors.

What Treatments Are Available?

Your family doctor will likely refer you to a specialist, who may try removing the tumor through surgery, radiation, or medication. In some cases, these treatments will also restore your vision to normal, since they will remove pressure from the optic nerve. However, if it does not help, you will need to talk to an eye doctor about your options. Your sight problems may also have a different underlying cause altogether.

If you are experiencing unusual vision symptoms, make an appointment with Kenneth Houchin MD. Located in Las Vegas, NV, this eye doctor creates personal care plans for all of his patients. He specializes in vision impairment caused by neurological conditions like strokes and brain tumors. Additionally, he can assess eye problems caused by diabetes or glaucoma and make sure your needs are addressed. To learn more about this eye doctor and his practice areas, visit him online. Call (775) 738-5193 to book an appointment.