Facts

• Visual abnormalities are common in children – most are not caused by a brain tumour.

• When looking for signs of a brain tumour, there are two main types of visual abnormality to be aware of: abnormal eye movements and changes to vision, such as blurred or double vision.

• The most common visual abnormality in children is a squint, in which the two eyes do not look in the same direction. Squints are very rarely caused by a brain tumour, but do require assessment by an ophthalmologist when first noted.

• Abnormal appearance or movements of the eye are an important symptom to look out for – for example, if one eye is bulging, or if the eyes appear wobbly, quivering or flicking