Eye Exam Saves Woman's Life by Detecting Brain Tumor Early

Most people don't think a regular eye exam could save their life. But in many cases, a comprehensive eye exam can detect much more than eye disease. That's one reason that we at St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville recommend annual eye exams to all of our patients, even in the absence of visual changes or symptoms.

How an Eye Exam Saved Katie's Life

Katie Dunn, a 30-year-old beautician, visited her local eye doctor for a routine eye exam. During the exam, the optometrist noticed certain abnormalities in the back of her eye. Based on these findings, he recommended that she go for an MRI scan. The MRI results displayed a large tumor that had been growing in her brain and pressing on her optic nerve. After two surgeries to remove the tumor and radiotherapy treatments, Katie is grateful to be doing well.

Katie's doctors explained that, had the tumor gone undetected, she could have lost her vision completely and suffered other potentially life-changing health problems.

How Eye Exams Can Detect Other Health Problems

During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may use special dilating drops to widen your pupils, allowing for a better look at the back of your eyes. Tumors located in the brain can often cause changes in the blood vessels of the eyes that can be detected during a dilated eye exam.

Regular eye exams can also help detect other medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and certain types of cancer. Early detection of these conditions can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.

If it's been more than a year since your last visit to the optometrist, we urge you to call St. Clairsville Eyecare to schedule your routine appointment. Call (740) 695-0444.