Eye melanoma
Eye melanoma, also called ocular melanoma, is the most common type of eye cancer.
Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives your skin its colour). Because your eyes also have melanin-producing cells, they can develop melanoma.
Watery eyes symptoms
There are two types of eye melanoma:
- uveal melanoma 鈥� the most common type of eye melanoma that develops in the uvea, which sits beneath the white of the eyes
- conjunctival melanoma 鈥� a rarer type of eye melanoma that develops in the conjunctiva, a thin, clear membrane that lubricates and protects your eye
Eye melanoma does not typically cause early signs or symptoms, which can make it hard to identify. Individuals with a family history of melanoma, or excessive exposure to UV light may be at higher risk.
Uveal melanoma symptoms may include:
- blurred vision
- seeing a peripheral shadow
- experiencing flashing lights
In turn, conjunctival melanoma may manifest itself by:
- new brown or dark patches appearing on the white area or the surface of the eye
- existing brown or dark patches on the white area of the eye getting bigger
- a raised, skin-coloured bump on the white of the eye
When to see a consultant?
These symptoms can be caused by other eye conditions. However, if you have any of the signs or symptoms listed above, or you notice any sudden changes in your vision, you should make an appointment with a retinal specialist at AOA体育平台 Eye Centre.
You can request an appointment with one of the eye specialists from AOA体育平台 Eye Centre here.
* We offer fast appointments Monday - Friday only.
Radiotherapy
Uses high-energy waves, which are like X-rays, to kill cancer cells over a number of short, daily treatments.
Chemotherapy
Uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs which circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream and destroy cancer cells.
Laser treatment
Uses infrared light to burn the cancer cells away through heat, focused on cancer cells through the pupil.
Surgery
Depending on the size and location of your eye melanoma, surgery may involve removing the part of the eye with the melanoma and a small portion of healthy tissue which surrounds it or more extensive surgery.