When we talk about ocular melanoma, a type of cancer that develops in the pigment cells of the eye. Also known as uveal melanoma, it’s the most common eye cancer in adults, though still rare—only about 2,500 cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Unlike skin melanoma, this one starts inside the eye, often without pain or obvious warning signs. That’s why many people don’t notice it until it’s grown large enough to affect vision—or shows up during a routine eye exam.
Ocular melanoma can form in different parts of the eye: the iris (the colored part), the ciliary body (behind the iris), or the choroid (the layer under the retina). Most cases happen in the choroid. It doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, you might see floaters, flashes of light, a dark spot on your iris, or blurred vision. In advanced cases, it can lead to vision loss or even eye pressure and pain. Early detection matters—because once it spreads, it often goes to the liver, and that’s when treatment becomes much harder.
There’s no single cause, but risk factors include light eye color, fair skin, and certain genetic traits. It’s not linked to sun exposure like skin melanoma, so wearing sunglasses won’t prevent it. Doctors use eye exams, ultrasound, and sometimes biopsies to confirm it. Treatment depends on size, location, and whether it’s growing. Options range from laser therapy and radiation (like plaque brachytherapy) to surgery—sometimes removing the eye if the tumor is large. Newer drugs and clinical trials are offering hope for those with advanced disease, especially around targeting specific gene mutations like GNAQ or GNA11.
What you’ll find in the posts below are real, practical stories and guides from people who’ve dealt with this condition—whether they’re managing side effects from treatment, comparing eye drops like Bimatoprost for related pressure issues, or navigating life after diagnosis. You’ll also see how ocular melanoma connects to other health topics: from genetic testing (like in hereditary angioedema) to how medications affect eye health, and why regular checkups can catch problems before they escalate. This isn’t just about a diagnosis—it’s about understanding what comes next, what works, and how to live well with it.
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