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Would a Brain Tumor Show on Eye Exam?

Hi. Years ago I had a scare when I had my first dilated eye exam. My optic nerves appeared to be swollen. I was sent for MRI to check for brain tumor which came back clear. Every year I still get nervous going to the eye Dr. thinking they are going to see something new to suggest a brain tumor (what if MRI missed something or I've developed a brain tumor in the past 12 years since the MRI). I went to a new Dr. (my old one retired) for my annual eye exam yesterday and she said she could clearly see drusen in both eyes but other than that my optic nerves looked fine. However, she is sending me for visual field testing and OCT next week and now i'm nervous all over again...anxiety stinks!! Should I be worried that new findings from these tests will show something indicative of a brain tumor or would the dilation exam have already pointed towards that? Thank you for any info.
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177275 tn?1511755244
No you should not be nervous. Your new eye doctor, hopefully a ophthalmologist Eye MD, is taking proper care of you. Optic nerve drusen can make the optic nerves swollen "false" or pseuo-papilledema.  So the MRI ruled out brain tumor,  and brain tumors not more common in optic nerve drusen.  OND can cause damage to Visual Field hense the test, and also cause thinning of nerve fiber  layer hence the OCT.
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Thank you for your response. I made my exam with an office that has ophthalmologists and optometrists. The appt was supposed to be with an ophthalmologist but when I arrived I ended up seeing an optometrist. She seemed very knowledgeable. Should I make sure I’m seen by an ophthalmologist in the future and do you think I should be rechecked by one now or next year is ok?
Absolutely the difference in skill, training, is as much as the difference between a nurse and a physician.
Ok but should I get another appt right now with an ophthalmologist or just make sure my next years exam is with an ophthalmologist?
Next year assuming the optom didn't find anything wrong and your visual field and OCT were normal.
Ok thanks. Would an optometrist recognize true papilledema or should I still have concern of brain tumor?
Anyone that looks at your optic nerve for the first time will be concerned about it being swollen. That is due to drusen not papilledema. Tell they you have 'pseudo-papilledema' due to optic nerve drusen.   Quit worrying about brain tumors. They are relative rare and not more common in OND.
Ok I’ll try. Thank you!
Good luck.
I’m back! Still worrying! I went for my visual field test and OCT scan on Tuesday and have a follow up appt next week on Tuesday. I have been so anxious thinking that the tests are going to show something catastrophic so I called and asked the dr to call me. She called and said the tests look normal and that she will have me repeat them every six months because she knows how anxious I am. That makes me more anxious!! I feel like she wants them done more often because she sees something bad. Then she said during my follow up next week she has a couple more tests to do to keep in my record. What other tests could she possibly be doing??? Now my minds really racing?
Please take this in the sincere manner in wish it is offered.  Your biggest problems seems to be dealing with you anxiety.  I strongly suggest you move on from your eyes to your anxiety. Consider seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist before you end up on too much alcohol, marijuana or dangerous drugs to even out the crippling anxiety.
I have an intake appt at noon today to get set up with counseling. Thank you.
Good.  Anxiety is one of the most common problems and a variety of techniques (such as cognitive behavior therapy), counseling and medications work well. Best of luck.
Thank you!
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177275 tn?1511755244
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