Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of benign anterior skull base lesions

Visual disturbance is a common presenting symptom of anterior skull base lesions. These lesions cause deterioration in visual acuity, restriction of the visual field, or reduction of ocular mobility. Common pathological entities that affect the skull base and involve vision include meningioma, pituitary adenoma, tumors of the bone, malignancy, and infection. Benign lesions are typically treated surgically with acceptable long-term results. In this article, we review the presentation, evaluation, and surgical treatment of patients with benign skull base lesions presenting with visual disturbance.