question on tumor optic nerve

I was told my  65yr old mother has a tumor on her optic nerve, and has had for 5+years, She is having bad headaches, and her eyelids are partially closed at times. What are the treatment options, and if she opted to have this removed, what is the procedure and how is it done, and the risk??

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Not all optic tumors need to be removed. Some do if they are growing and damaging the nerve. The surgery is usually high risk and the risks include loss of all vision in the eye.

You mother should be under the care of an Eye MD probably a oculoplastic surgeon or a neuro-ophthalmologist. DIscuss your concerns with them

JCH III MD