Ocular melanoma is a rare and potentially fatal eye cancer that can cause vision loss and other complications. It is related to skin melanoma and can occur in different parts of the eye. Treatment options include observation, laser therapy, and surgery. Prevention measures include minimizing exposure to sunlight and regular eye exams.
Ocular melanoma is an extremely rare eye cancer involving melanocyte cells in the eye. These cells are found throughout the body, producing a pigment known as melanin. Eye melanoma is closely related to skin melanoma, as the same type of cell is involved in cancer. This condition can be fatal, and in patients who don’t die from it, the cancer can lead to vision loss and other complications.
There are five types of eye melanoma, named for the regions of the eye where they occur. The most common is choroidal melanoma, which occurs in the layer of cells under the retina. Melanoma can also attack the iris, optic nerve, conjunctiva and eyelids. People with eye melanoma usually notice a problem in the form of blurred or distorted vision, and sometimes melanoma causes a dark spot, cloud, or area of darkness in the eye.
If the melanoma is small, a doctor may recommend observation, rather than immediate action. Small melanomas can also be treated with lasers or targeted radiation. If a growth is seen, the cancerous part of the eye may need to be removed or the eye removed completely to prevent metastasis. Ocular melanoma often spreads to the liver if the cancer is not diagnosed early or treated aggressively.
About six out of every million people develop eye melanoma, making the condition very rare. Patients usually are referred to an oncologist who can work with an ophthalmologist to determine the best course of treatment. Very few hospitals have programs that specifically address eye cancers, let alone ocular melanoma, so patients may be required to travel for the best treatment. Given the severity of eye melanoma, it’s worth the trip in most cases.
As with skin melanoma, there are some steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing eye melanoma. It is strongly recommended to minimize exposure to sunlight, especially during the central hours of the day. For people who work and play outdoors, wearing sunglasses and face shields to protect your eyes from direct sunlight is a good idea, as is wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to protect your skin, too. Regular eye exams should also be part of everyone’s health routine so that conditions like eye melanoma can be caught early, before they develop into a serious problem.
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