Intraocular Melanoma

Understanding Intraocular Melanoma

What is Intraocular Melanoma? Intraocular melanoma is a type of cancer that occurs in the eye. It’s a form of melanoma, which is a cancer that develops in cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color. In the eye, these melanin-producing cells are most commonly found in the uvea, hence it’s often also called uveal melanoma.

Symptoms to Look Out For

• Vision Changes: Blurry vision or sudden loss of vision.
• Visible Changes in the Eye: A dark spot on the iris or a change in the shape of the pupil.
• Floaters: Small specks or clouds moving in your field of vision.
• Flashes of Light: Seeing flashes or flickers of light.
• In some cases, intraocular melanoma may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages.

What Causes Intraocular Melanoma? The exact cause is unknown. It’s more common in people with light-colored eyes, older age, and certain inherited skin conditions like dysplastic nevus syndrome.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Includes a comprehensive eye exam, ultrasound of the eye, and sometimes additional imaging tests.
• Treatment Options: Depend on the size and location of the melanoma and can include:

• • Radiation therapy.
  • Laser treatment.
  • Surgery to remove the tumor or, in some cases, the eye.
  • Experimental treatments in clinical trials.

Prevention and Monitoring

• Regular eye exams are important for early detection, especially if you have risk factors.
• Protecting your eyes from UV light with sunglasses may also help reduce risk.

If you notice any changes in your vision or the appearance of your eye, it’s important to schedule an appointment with an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment are crucial for the best outcomes in intraocular melanoma.