Can a routine eye test detect a brain tumour?

While a routine eye test cannot detect a brain tumour directly, it can often provide clues that something is not quite right. If any unusual pressure or swelling is noted in the optic nerve or the eyeball, this could be indicative of a brain tumour. For example, if the eyes are misaligned or if there is a sudden change in vision such as double vision, then these could be signs of a neurological problem and it may be worth getting evaluated more thoroughly for potential brain tumours. Additionally, an eye exam can reveal signs of raised intracranial pressure from an underlying cause such as an intraparenchymal lesion which could potentially indicate the presence of a brain tumor. Ultimately though, an MRI would be necessary for diagnosis if there was suspicion for this condition based on other clinical clues from the eye exam and other patient symptoms.