Ocular Melanoma: Quick Facts and How to Handle It

If you’ve ever heard the term “ocular melanoma” and wondered what it actually means, you’re not alone. It’s a rare type of eye cancer that starts in the pigment‑producing cells of the eye. While it’s not as common as skin melanoma, catching it early can make a big difference in outcomes. Below we break down the basics, the warning signs you should watch for, and the most common ways doctors treat this condition.

What Is Ocular Melanoma?

Ocular melanoma, also called uveal melanoma, develops in the uvea – the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. The tumor is made of melanocytes, the same cells that give skin its color. Most cases appear in adults aged 50‑70, and men are slightly more likely to develop it than women. The exact cause isn’t fully known, but genetics and excess UV exposure can raise the risk.

Because the eye is a confined space, the tumor can grow without obvious pain. That’s why many people only notice a change in vision or a new spot in the eye. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to the liver and other organs, so early detection is key.

Spotting the Signs

Look out for these common clues:

• A dark spot on the iris or inside the pupil that didn’t exist before.
• Blurry or distorted vision in one eye.
• A feeling of something “floating” in your sight (floaters).
• Sudden flashes of light, especially in low light.
• Changes in the shape or size of the pupil.

Any new or worsening visual symptom should prompt a visit to an eye doctor. An eye exam that includes dilation lets the doctor see the back of the eye where most uveal melanomas hide.

How Doctors Diagnose It

After spotting a suspicious lesion, the eye specialist usually orders imaging tests. An ultrasound of the eye can measure the tumor’s thickness, while an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan shows detailed layers of the retina. If the doctor suspects cancer, they may also order a fluorescein angiography to see blood flow patterns.

Because the disease can spread, a full-body work‑up is common. Blood tests, a liver ultrasound, and sometimes a CT or MRI scan help rule out metastasis. Knowing whether the cancer has spread guides the treatment plan.

Treatment Options You Can Expect

Treatment depends on tumor size, location, and whether it’s spread. Here are the main approaches:

• Radiation therapy: Plaque brachytherapy places a tiny radioactive disc on the eye’s surface for a few days. It’s effective for medium‑size tumors and often preserves vision.
• External beam radiation: Targeted beams from outside the head treat larger tumors or those in tricky spots.
• Surgery: If the tumor is very large, doctors may remove the eye (enucleation) to stop the cancer from spreading.
• Laser therapy: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses a light‑activated drug to shrink small lesions.

After any treatment, regular follow‑up visits are crucial. Most patients need eye exams every 3‑6 months for the first few years, plus liver scans to catch any early spread.

Living With Ocular Melanoma

Getting a cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but many patients maintain a good quality of life. Protecting your eyes from UV light with sunglasses that block 100% UVA/UVB can lower future risk. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and staying on top of follow‑up appointments all help keep you in control.

If you’re dealing with vision changes after treatment, low‑vision specialists can provide aids like magnifiers or electronic readers. Emotional support matters too—talking with a counselor or joining a patient group can ease the mental load.

Bottom line: Ocular melanoma is rare, but it’s treatable when caught early. Keep an eye on any new visual changes, get prompt eye exams, and follow your doctor’s advice. Staying informed and proactive gives you the best shot at a good outcome.