Blurred or double vision/loss of vision

Facts

When looking for signs of a brain tumour, there are two main types of visual abnormality to be aware of: changes to vision such as blurred or double vision and abnormal eye movements.
Other visual symptoms that may be caused by a brain tumour include worsening in vision and eyesight – be particularly aware where these have occurred suddenly.
Double vision is where your eye doesn't work quite as it should and you see two images of a single object that you are looking at rather than one. With blurred vision, a single image will appear, but will be unclear.

Indications of sight problems include:

difficulty seeing when the teacher displays information at the front of the room at school or college
needing to sit closer to the television or computer screen
reduced awareness of people or objects to the sides, above or below (indicating a loss of peripheral vision)
finding it difficult to navigate new places, or asking for help to do so
stumbling and tripping more often

If you're a teenager and you're concerned about your symptoms, it's best to get them checked out by your GP or book an eye check at a local optician. Further information about eye problems and eye health can be found at NHS Choices.

If you're a parent or carer of a teenager and you're concerned about their symptoms, explain that you think they should go to the GP or a local optician and offer to make them an appointment. Bear in mind that, depending on their age and circumstances, they may choose to go on their own, although many appreciate having a parent or carer with them whatever their age.