Learning that you have eye cancer, or ocular melanoma, may can feel especially overwhelming. Our melanoma experts work closely with ophthalmologists (eye doctors) to offer a multidisciplinary, team approach to care.
What Is Ocular Melanoma?
Melanoma develops in melanocytes, which are cells that make melanin (pigment that produces color in the eyes, hair and skin). It is an aggressive type of cancer that most often grows in the skin.
Ocular melanoma, the most common type of eye cancer, begins in melanocytes in the eyes, usually in the eyeball’s middle layer (uvea). The uvea is below the white layer of the eye (sclera) and contains the iris (colored part of your eye).
Symptoms of Eye Melanoma
Ocular melanoma may not show any signs or symptoms at first. When symptoms do develop, they may seem similar to those of other, less serious conditions. It’s important to see your doctor or an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) if you experience these symptoms:
- Change in the shape or size of the pupil (dark circle in the middle of the iris)
- Changes in the eyeball’s position or movements within the socket
- Eyes that bulge
- Growing, dark spot on the iris
- Sensation of flashing lights or “floaters” (small spots) in your field of vision
- Vision problems, such as blurry vision or losing part of your field of vision
Risks and Prevention of Ocular Melanoma
Certain factors increase your risk for developing ocular melanoma. These include:
- Exposure to sunlight or artificial sunlight from tanning beds.
- Having light-colored eyes
- Older age
- Being Caucasian
- Inherited skin conditions, such as dysplastic nevus syndrome, which cause abnormal moles
- Having a mole on the surface of the eye
- Abnormal skin pigmentation involving the eyes or eyelids
Eye (Ocular) Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Your eye doctor may find ocular melanoma during your routine eye exam, especially if you have symptoms. Our specialists do a thorough evaluation that includes diagnostic testing to confirm a diagnosis.
Ocular melanoma-specific testing may include:
- Eye ultrasound: This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves from an instrument called a transducer that produces images of the eye for a more accurate diagnosis.
- Biopsy: Your ophthalmologist may remove a small sample of tissue from the surface of the eye, which is then sent to a laboratory to be examined and tested for melanoma.
- Fluorescein angiography: This is a diagnostic procedure where dye is injected into the arm that travels to the eye. A specialized camera takes pictures of the inside of the eye to determine if they are any abnormalities, leakage or blockage.
With an accurate diagnosis, our team works closely with you to create a customized treatment plan which could include immunotherapy (medications that help your immune system destroy cancer cells), surgery or targeted therapy (medications that identify and attack specific substances on cancer cells). Treatments focus on destroying the cancer, saving the eye and preserving your vision as much as possible.
Some patients seeking treatment for melanoma may be eligible for current clinical trials. Learn more about our clinical trials.
Request an Appointment for Melanoma Care
To make an appointment at the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute, call 717-544-9400 or request an appointment using our online form.