Melanoma of the Eye

Melanoma of the eye, also known as ocular melanoma or uveal melanoma, is a type of cancer that develops in the eye. It occurs when abnormal cells in the eye grow and multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

Types of Melanoma of the Eye

There are several types of melanoma of the eye, including:

• Choroidal melanoma: This is the most common type of ocular melanoma and occurs in the choroid, which is the layer of tissue between the sclera and retina.
• Ciliary body melanoma: This type of melanoma occurs in the ciliary body, which is the ring-shaped muscle that produces fluid in the eye.
• Iris melanoma: This type of melanoma occurs in the iris, which is the colored part of the eye.

Symptoms of Melanoma of the Eye

The symptoms of melanoma of the eye may include:

• Flashes of light or floaters in the vision
• Blind spots or loss of peripheral vision
• Pain or pressure in the eye
• Redness or swelling of the eye
• Change in the shape of the pupil
• Loss of vision or double vision

Causes and Risk Factors of Melanoma of the Eye

The exact cause of melanoma of the eye is not known, but there are several risk factors that may increase a person's chance of developing the condition. These include:

• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds
• Light skin and eye color
• Family history of melanoma
• Age, with most cases occurring in people over 50 years old
• Previous radiation therapy to the eye

Diagnosis of Melanoma of the Eye

Melanoma of the eye is typically diagnosed through a combination of:

• Visual examination of the eye using an ophthalmoscope
• Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans
• Biopsy of the tumor to confirm the presence of cancer cells

Treatment Options for Melanoma of the Eye

The treatment options for melanoma of the eye depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. These may include:

• Surgery: To remove the tumor and surrounding tissue
• Radiation therapy: To kill cancer cells using high-energy rays
• Laser therapy: To destroy cancer cells using a high-intensity beam of light
• Enucleation: To remove the entire eye in cases where the tumor is large or has spread to other parts of the eye

Prognosis and Outlook for Melanoma of the Eye

The prognosis and outlook for melanoma of the eye depend on the size and location of the tumor, as well as the overall health of the patient. If caught early, the condition can often be treated successfully, but if left untreated or diagnosed at a late stage, it can lead to serious complications, including vision loss and spread to other parts of the body.