Eye Melanoma

Eye melanoma, also known as ocular melanoma, is a rare but serious type of cancer that develops in the pigment-producing cells of the eye. It most commonly affects the uvea, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. Eye melanoma can occur without obvious early symptoms and may be detected during routine eye examinations. Early diagnosis is important because the cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Many people with eye melanoma have no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Blurred or decreased vision

• A growing dark spot on the iris

• Changes in the shape of the pupil

• Flashes of light or floaters

• Partial loss of peripheral vision

• Eye pain or redness in rare cases

Causes

The exact cause of eye melanoma is not fully understood. It develops when pigment cells in the eye undergo genetic changes that cause uncontrolled growth. These changes usually occur randomly and are not inherited in most cases.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the risk of developing eye melanoma, including:

• Light-colored eyes

• Fair skin

• Increasing age

• Certain genetic mutations

• Presence of abnormal moles in or around the eye

• Ultraviolet light exposure

Complications

Eye melanoma can lead to serious complications, especially if it spreads beyond the eye. Possible complications include:

• Vision loss in the affected eye

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Spread of cancer to the liver or other organs

• Reduced quality of life

Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent eye melanoma, but certain measures may help reduce risk:

• Wearing sunglasses that block ultraviolet radiation

• Using protective eyewear in high-risk environments

• Regular comprehensive eye examinations

• Monitoring eye moles or pigment changes

• Seeking prompt evaluation of vision changes

Early detection and appropriate treatment play a key role in improving outcomes for people with eye melanoma.