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Ocular melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the eye’s melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment. It is a rare cancer that is difficult to detect without regular eye exams as it typically occurs inside the eye and presents few symptoms. The middle layer of the eye, called the uveal tract, is where ocular melanoma develops most often. However, melanoma can also develop on the eyelid, in the eye socket or on the conjunctiva (the membrane covering the front of the eye).

Ocular melanoma is caused by abnormalities or mutations that form in DNA, which lead to unhealthy melanocytes growing and multiplying uncontrollably, resulting in a cancerous tumor. While the root cause is still not clearly understood, certain factors may raise a person’s risk of developing an eye melanoma, such as having fair skin, light-colored eyes, a strong family history of systemic and ocular cancers, certain inherited skin conditions, ocular melanocytosis and being prone to developing moles or freckles. Additionally, those with melanoma of the skin may also develop ocular melanoma.

If you notice a dark spot on the iris that may grow over time, eye floaters or flashes of light, a change in the shape of the pupil, loss of peripheral vision in one eye, poor or blurred vision in one eye, eye watering or displacement of the eye, then visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist so the cause of your signs/symptoms can be determined. It’s crucial to have regular eye exams to detect ocular melanoma early. Don’t wait, schedule an appointment today.

Click the link to read more: https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/ocular-melanoma/