Effective measures for the primary prevention of optic nerve glioma include regular eye exams in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.

• Optic pathway glioma occurs in 15 percent of patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Regular eye exams may allow early diagnosis of these tumors before they cause symptoms.
• Ophthalmologic screening should include confrontation visual field testing, color vision testing, visual acuity testing, and assessment of pupils, eyelids, irises, fundi, and extraocular motility.
• The evaluation should begin when neurofibromatosis type 1 first is suspected and should be repeated at annual intervals or when symptoms develop. Clinical evaluation in patients with NF-1 appears to be more useful to detect complications than are screening investigations in asymptomatic patients.^[1][2]
• The optimal care for individuals with NF1 aims at the symptomatic treatment and early detection of complications as they occur. Genetic counseling may be advised for people with neurofibromatosis type 1. All children with NF1 should undergo regular growth assessments using standard growth charts.^[3]