Pituitary adenomas are tumors that can affect vision, sometimes causing vision loss.
Although small, the pituitary controls the secretion of many different types of hormones.
It helps maintain growth and development and regulates many different glands, organs, and hormones.
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Changes in hormones can cause significant changes in our bodies.
The optic nerve is the nerve cable that connects the eye to the brain.
The optic chiasm is the point at which the two optic nerves cross.
To measure the extent of vision loss, eye doctors usually order a computerized visual field test.
Because some pituitary tumors can cause hormonal changes, a complete medical history is also taken.
The doctor may then order blood and urine testing, as well as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Treatment
Pituitary adenomas are often treated with neurosurgery to remove the tumor.
Radiation therapy using X-rays and proton beams is also used to kill tumors.
Medications may first be prescribed to help shrink the tumor.
Since your eye doctor is capable of diagnosing pituitary adenoma, see your eye doctor annually.
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American Association of Neurological Surgeons.Pituitary gland and pituitary tumors.
American Cancer Society.Tests for pituitary tumors.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Medication (drug therapy) for pituitary tumors.
