Neuroophthalmologic diagnosis of the sella turca region

A chiasm n. optici is shaped by crossed optic nerves. Approximate vertical distance of 10 mm separates chiasm from dorsum sella turca and pituitary fosse. Twenty-five percent of all cerebral tumors appear in the chiasm area and almost half of them cause damages of visual function. Major and sometimes the only symptom is progressive visual loss. This damage appears because tumor masses are huge and are compressing optic nerves. Sellar region lesions must already be spreading suprasellary before patient can notice visual field defects. The sign of advanced process is symmetric or asymmetric loss of visual acuity or visual field defects. The aim of this study was to show the importance of visual field in the diagnosis of sellar disorders as well as in treatments. Eighteen patients with chiasm disorders were analyzed. Visual field was analyzed before and after treatment according to visual field classifications. The study has shown the importance of visual field testing in diagnosis of sellar processes, as well as in following therapy, surgical or conservative.