Eye Cancer

There are two primary types of eye cancer: ocular melanoma and retinoblastoma.

Ocular melanoma is a rare kind of cancer that starts in the eye. It happens when certain cells in the eye called melanocytes (which give color to your eyes) grow out of control. This cancer usually forms in a part of the eye called the uvea. Even though it’s called melanoma, like skin cancer, this one is found inside the eye, not on the skin. People usually don’t feel pain from it, but it can cause blurry vision or dark spots in what they see. Doctors can find it with special eye exams, and it can be treated with radiation, laser therapy, or surgery. The earlier it’s found, the better the chances of treating it.

Retinoblastoma is a type of eye cancer that mostly happens in young children. It starts in the retina, which is the part of the eye that helps us see by sending images to the brain. This cancer happens when the cells in the retina grow in a way they shouldn’t. Sometimes it’s caused by a change in a gene that’s passed down from a parent, but other times it just happens. One common sign is a white glow in the eye that might show up in pictures or when light shines in the eye. Other signs can be crossed eyes or vision problems. Doctors use tests and eye exams to find it, and it can be treated with chemotherapy, laser therapy, freezing (cryotherapy), or surgery, depending on how serious it is. If it’s found early, it can often be cured.

For more information about eye cancer, please visit the links and organizations listed below.