What is ocular melanoma?

Ocular melanoma is a serious form of cancer that can develop in or around the eye, distinct from melanoma that typically affects the skin.

What are the signs of ocular melanoma?

Early stages of ocular melanoma often have no symptoms, but progression can lead to blurry vision, floaters, or flashes of light.

Why are regular eye exams important for melanoma detection?

Regular eye exams are essential because ocular melanoma may not show symptoms early on, and specialized equipment can detect cancerous lesions.

Home / Health / Eye Melanoma: More Than Just Skin Deep

Eye Melanoma: More Than Just Skin Deep

25 Jan

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Summary

Melanoma can affect eyes, not just skin, impacting vision.
Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection.
New cases of ocular melanoma appear yearly in thousands.

Melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, can manifest in unexpected areas, including the eyes. This condition, referred to as ocular melanoma, affects thousands of Americans annually and can develop in or around the eye itself. Unlike skin-based melanoma primarily linked to UV exposure, ocular melanomas are not strongly associated with sun damage. Instead, factors like lighter eye color and conditions such as nearsightedness may increase risk.

Early stages of ocular melanoma often present no symptoms, making routine comprehensive eye examinations essential. Changes in vision, such as blurriness or floaters, can indicate progression. While ocular melanoma can be life-threatening due to its potential to spread, treatments like laser therapy and brachytherapy offer hope, with early detection significantly improving patient outcomes.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.