Eye Melanoma – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

Eye melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the melanin-producing cells of the eye. These cells, similar to those that give skin its color, can develop into cancer within the eye structure.

This condition is also known as ocular, intraocular, or uveal melanoma. Most eye melanomas develop in areas not visible when looking in a mirror, making early detection difficult.

Initially, patients typically experience no symptoms, which further complicates timely diagnosis.

Treatment options exist for eye melanoma. For smaller melanomas, treatments may preserve vision without significant loss. However, larger melanomas often require more aggressive treatments that can result in some degree of vision impairment.

Key characteristics of eye melanoma:

  • Develops in melanin-producing eye cells
  • Often forms in hidden parts of the eye
  • Usually presents no early symptoms
  • Can be treated, with varying effects on vision

Signs You Should Watch For

Eye melanoma often develops without any noticeable symptoms. However, some people may experience certain warning signs.

If you have eye melanoma, you might notice flashes of light in your vision or see what looks like floating dust specks.

Some people develop a dark spot on the iris (the colored part of the eye) that grows larger over time.

Watch for changes in the shape of your pupil, which is the dark circle in the middle of your eye.

Vision problems are also common signs, including blurry vision or poor vision in one eye. You might lose your ability to see things to the side (peripheral vision).

When Medical Help Is Needed

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you experience any eye melanoma symptoms. Don’t wait to get checked.

If your vision changes suddenly, seek emergency care immediately. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

What Causes Eye Melanoma

Eye melanoma begins when cells in the eye undergo DNA changes. These changes alter the instructions that control how cells grow and die.

In healthy eyes, cells follow a normal pattern of growth and death. But when DNA changes occur, cells grow too quickly and don’t die when they should.

This leads to a buildup of abnormal cells that may form tumors, damage healthy tissue, and potentially spread to other parts of the body.

Where Eye Melanoma Forms

Eye melanoma typically develops in the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye. This layer has three main parts that can be affected by melanoma:

  • The iris: This is the colored part at the front of your eye.
  • The choroid layer: A layer containing blood vessels at the back of the uvea.
  • The ciliary body: Located behind the iris, this part helps with focusing and produces the clear fluid in the front of the eye.

Though much less common, eye melanoma can also develop in other areas, including:

  • The conjunctiva (the thin layer covering the front of the eye)
  • The orbit (the socket surrounding the eyeball)
  • The eyelid

Most people with eye melanoma first develop it in the choroid layer, which is rich in blood vessels. This location makes it possible for cancer cells to enter the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.

The exact trigger that causes these DNA changes remains unknown to researchers. However, understanding where the cancer typically forms helps doctors diagnose and treat the condition more effectively.

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s chance of developing eye melanoma:

  • Eye Color: People with blue or green eyes face higher risks than those with darker eye colors.

  • Race: White individuals have a greater likelihood of developing this condition compared to other racial groups.

  • Age: Risk increases as people get older.

  • Inherited skin conditions: People with dysplastic nevus syndrome (which causes unusual moles) have elevated risk. Another condition called ocular melanocytosis, which causes unusual pigmentation on eyelids and surrounding tissues, also increases risk.

  • Genetic factors: Certain DNA changes passed from parents to children may make some people more susceptible.

  • UV light exposure: Research suggests that ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds might increase risk.

It’s important to note that having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean someone will definitely develop eye melanoma. Many people with these risk factors never develop the condition, while others without obvious risk factors may still be diagnosed.

Currently, medical experts haven’t identified specific prevention methods for eye melanoma.

Health Problems

Loss of Sight

Eye melanoma can harm your vision in different ways. Your sight might get worse as the melanoma grows. This can be one of the first signs something is wrong.

Treatment for eye melanoma can also cause vision changes. Some people lose part or all of their sight in the affected eye after treatment.

Cancer Spread

Eye melanoma can move from the eye to other body parts. This is called metastasis. The cancer most often spreads to the liver, lungs, and bones.

When melanoma spreads, it becomes harder to treat. It can also cause more serious health problems.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.