There's nothing wrong with ophthalmology, but if your vision narrows slowly, you suspect a brain tumor
Mar 26, 2025
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If you feel that your vision is narrowing or your vision has rapidly deteriorated, it may be an early brain tumor and you must see a specialist.
Lee Ki-taek, a professor of neurosurgery at Gachon University Gil Hospital, said, "If you feel your vision is narrowing or your vision has declined sharply, it is important to find the exact cause through an ophthalmological examination."
There's no big problem with simple presbyopia. However, visual impairment due to pituitary tumor, which is the second most common benign tumor in the brain, cannot be solved only by replacing the glasses, so a brain examination may be necessary.
The pituitary gland is an organ responsible for regulating hormones in our body, located in the lower part of the brain, and is only about 1cm in diameter, but plays an essential role in life support. Tumors that develop in this area are called pituitary tumors (pituitary adenomas), the second most common type of benign tumors that develop in the brain.
In particular, just above the pituitary gland, there is a 'optic nerve crossing' area where both optic nerves intersect, and as the tumor grows, the optic nerve may be compressed, resulting in a narrowing of the field of view. These symptoms are difficult for patients to notice because they progress slowly.
Professor Lee Ki-taek said, `If your vision is gradually narrowed recently, it is necessary to have an ophthalmological examination first, and if it is solved by ophthalmological treatment, it may be a vision problem"It is necessary to get an accurate diagnosis if visual impairment of unknown cause persists or symptoms such as headaches and memory loss occur even in ophthalmic examinations."
Pituitary tumors are divided into functional and non-functional tumors. In some cases, drug treatment is possible, but surgery is generally considered the most effective treatment. Recently, 'endoscopic transverse surgery', which removes tumors through the nose without craniotomy, has developed, shortening the treatment period and leaving no scars.
Early detection and proper treatment are of paramount importance for brain tumors whose exact cause is not identified.
Brain tumors are diseases caused by abnormal cell proliferation in the brain and are divided into benign and malignant. Although the exact cause of the outbreak has not yet been identified, ▲ genetic factors ▲ environmental factors ▲ decreased immunity ▲ viral infection ▲ stress are known to have an effect.
In particular, family history or specific genetic mutations can increase the likelihood of brain tumors. Continuous exposure to high-dose radiation or certain chemicals may increase the risk of developing the disease. It has also been reported that immunocompromised conditions or specific viral infections are involved in the development of brain tumors.
Brain tumor treatment proceeds differently depending on the type, size, location, and patient's health condition. The main treatments include ▲ surgery ▲ radiation therapy ▲ anticancer chemotherapy ▲ target therapy ▲ rehabilitation therapy ▲ palliative therapy, etc., and customized treatment is needed for the patient's condition.
Radiation therapy is performed when tumor cells remaining after surgery are removed or when surgery is difficult, and chemotherapy is a treatment that suppresses tumor growth through drugs.
Recently, targeted treatments tailored to specific genetic mutations have been developed, which has the advantage of fewer side effects than existing anticancer drugs. In addition, rehabilitation and palliative treatment can help restore brain function and relieve pain to improve the quality of life of patients.
Professor Lee Ki-taek advised "Early detection and proper treatment of brain tumors are of paramount importance" and "However, since initial symptoms can be confused with other diseases, it is important to be diagnosed through specialist treatment if symptoms of unknown cause persist."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
