Causes
Ocular melanoma is a form of cancer that develops in pigment producing cells in the eye. The exact cause of this type of cancer is unknown, but there are several risk factors associated with it.
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Risk is increased by mutations in specific genes.
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Unlike skin melanoma, the role of ultraviolet light exposure in ocular melanoma is less clear.
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People with blue or green eyes are at greater risk.
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Risk increases with age, typically affecting people over 50.
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Conditions such as dysplastic nevus syndrome or having numerous moles can increase the risk.
Symptoms
Initially, eye melanoma may not cause symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may become more noticeable, including:
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Blurry vision, loss of vision, or flashing lights are signs of visual changes.
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An iris or conjunctival dark spot that grows over time.
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Loss of peripheral vision over time.
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There are small, floating spots in your field of vision called floaters.
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Pain or pressure around the eye is considered eye discomfort.
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An irregularly shaped pupil or a change in pupil size.
Diagnosis
There are several steps and specialized tests involved in diagnosing melanoma of the eye:
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An ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye exam.
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An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the eye and detect tumors.
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The fluorescein dye is injected into the bloodstream to highlight blood vessels in the eye and detect abnormalities.
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An optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides detailed images of the eye's internal structures.
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To confirm the diagnosis, a tissue sample may be taken in rare cases.
Treatment
The treatment of melanoma of the eye depends on the location and size of the tumor, as well as the patient's overall health:
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In plaque radiotherapy, radioactive material is placed near the tumor to kill cancer cells, or external beam radiotherapy may also be used.
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Surgery:
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An irisectomy is the removal of part of the iris.
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The iris and ciliary body are removed during iridocyclectomy.
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For large tumors, enucleation is the complete removal of the eye.
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Small tumors can be destroyed with laser therapy.
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The use of light-activated drugs to destroy cancer cells is known as photodynamic therapy.
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Cancerous cells are frozen and destroyed by cryotherapy.
Prevention
It is not possible to prevent melanoma of the eye in all cases, but certain measures can reduce the risk:
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Getting regular eye exams can help detect early signs of ocular melanoma.
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Sunglasses that block UV rays can protect the eyes.
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A person with risk factors should monitor their eye health closely and inform their doctor if there are any changes.
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Keeping a healthy lifestyle involves eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking.
Conclusion
Early diagnosis and treatment of melanoma of the eye requires understanding the causes, recognizing symptoms, and seeking regular eye exams. Depending on the stage and location of the melanoma, different treatment options are available. Preventive measures, such as UV protection and regular monitoring, can help reduce the risk and support early intervention.
