A mum's brain tumour was diagnosed after she went for a routine eye test.
Jane from Renfrewshire had been experiencing increasingly severe eye spasms but had not been able to see a GP during the pandemic.
The 46-year-old went for a routine eye examination earlier this month and her optician sent her for an MRI scan after noticing the spasms.
Doctors then discovered a three centimetre low grade meningioma on Jane's brain stem.
The tumour was pressing against the optic nerve and was wrapped around the carotid artery.
The mum of three had also been experiencing fatigue and mood swings in the months before her diagnosis, but was unaware that those were symptoms of a brain tumour in adults.
The Daily Record reports that Jane's tumour was seen to be causing stenosis, narrowing the artery by around 50% so her right eye cannot fully open.
She was also warned this significantly increases her chances of having a stroke in the future by restricting blood supply.
Jane, who is originally from Glasgow, said: “The eye spasms had been happening on and off for the last two years. My eye had also gradually begun to close which I hadn’t had checked out by the GP due to the pandemic.
“My husband and children had commented on it when they saw me in photos but we just assumed that I was tired or maybe it had been caused by the flash. I am very grateful to my optician as I honestly think that she saved my life.
“My husband simply couldn’t believe what he was hearing when I told him. My brother was really shocked and my uncle, who I am very close to, was very upset.
“My mother was the last person I told as I wanted to protect her from the harsh reality of it as I knew she would be upset too.”
After turning to The Brain Tumour Charity for information and comfort, Jane is raising cash for the charity which she hopes will help raise awareness of the disease and research into finding a cure.
“I often feel like my hands are tied because no operation can remove my tumour,” she added.
“I can’t do anything about it and I feel powerless. This is scary, frustrating and it also occasionally makes me angry too.
“It’s hard not to think 'why me' sometimes as well. It is a major life change and such a big blow to the system.
“I hope and pray that, one day in the future, a treatment option will be found so that my tumour can be removed as I know that neurosurgeons are lifesavers.
“Walking around with a brain tumour in your head is a crazy and colossal feeling but I just have to accept it.”
Lorcan Butler, optical engagement manager for The Brain Tumour Charity, said: “We are hugely grateful to Jane and her family for their continued support and their desire to raise awareness during National Eye Health Week.
“General Health condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and many more conditions can be detected and observed during a routine eye examination.
“If you, or a loved one, have any concerns with your eye(s) or your vision please do not hesitate to contact your local optician and get that reassurance that we all need at times.”
Anyone affected by a brain tumour can get in touch for support and information on 0808 800 0004 or by emailing support@thebraintumourcharity.org. Find out more at The Brain Tumour Charity website.
