You don’t expect cancer to start in your eye. But ocular melanoma—a rare form of eye cancer—can happen.
It often grows quietly and may not show any symptoms at first. That’s what makes it dangerous.
This blog covers what ocular melanoma is, signs to look for, how it’s diagnosed, and the best treatment options available.
What Is Ocular Melanoma?
Ocular melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the cells that produce pigment in your eye.
Even though it’s called “melanoma,” this is not the same as skin cancer. It begins inside the eye, usually in the uvea—the middle layer of the eye.
It’s rare but serious. It can affect your vision and even spread to other parts of the body, especially the liver.
Eye Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For
Eye cancer symptoms are often subtle or even nonexistent early on. But over time, you may notice:
- Blurry or distorted vision
- A dark spot on the iris (colored part of the eye)
- Floaters or flashes of light
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Pain or pressure in the eye (less common)
Many people find out they have ocular melanoma during a routine eye exam.
Who’s at Risk for Ocular Melanoma?
The exact cause is still unknown. But some factors may raise your risk:
- Light eye color (blue or green)
- Fair skin and a history of sun exposure
- Older age (typically affects those 50+)
- Certain genetic mutations
Having any of these doesn’t mean you’ll get eye cancer—but it does mean you should get your eyes checked regularly.
Eye Cancer Diagnosis: How It’s Found
A proper eye cancer diagnosis usually starts with a full eye exam. Your eye doctor may use:
- Ophthalmoscopy to look inside your eye
- Ultrasound of the eye to measure the tumor
- Fluorescein angiography to check blood flow
- MRI or CT scans to see if the cancer has spread
In most cases, a biopsy isn’t done because the eye’s structure is sensitive and imaging gives enough information.
Treatment for Ocular Melanoma
Your treatment for ocular melanoma depends on the tumor’s size, location, and whether it has spread.
1. Radiation Therapy
This is the most common approach. A small radioactive plaque is placed near the tumor (brachytherapy), or external radiation is used.
2. Surgery
If the tumor is large or vision is already lost, part or all of the eye may be removed. This is a last-resort option.
3. Laser Therapy
In select cases, lasers are used to shrink the tumor.
4. Clinical Trials & Targeted Therapy
For advanced or metastatic cases, trials and new drugs may help slow the spread.
What Happens After Treatment?
Even after treatment, ocular melanoma needs long-term follow-up. Doctors check:
- If the cancer comes back
- If it spreads to the liver (the most common site)
- How your vision is holding up
Mental and emotional health support is also important. Losing part of your vision or an eye is life-changing.
Eye prosthetics, counseling, and community groups can help patients adapt.
FAQ – Common Questions
Q: Can ocular melanoma be cured?
A: If caught early and treated, yes. But long-term monitoring is needed.
Q: Does it hurt?
A: In most cases, there’s no pain. That’s why it’s easy to miss.
Q: Is it related to skin melanoma?
A: Both are melanomas, but ocular melanoma forms in the eye, not the skin.
Conclusion
Ocular melanoma may be rare, but it can change your life if missed. Regular eye exams can catch early signs before they spread.
If you notice vision changes or anything unusual in your eyes, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor.
Eye cancer diagnosis and early treatment for ocular melanoma can save not just your sight—but your life.
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