Protecting Your Eyes From Ocular Melanoma
When people think of melanoma, they almost invariably think of it as being synonymous with skin cancer – everywhere else, of course, but your eyes. Make sure to put on plenty of sunscreen and wear a hat when you go outside, keep an eye out for any irregularly shaped or colored blotches on your skin, and you should be all right, sound about right?
But in fact, melanoma is simply a cancer of the melanin cells, which are the cells that produce the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. Because the truth is that there are melanin cells in your eyes, you can get eye melanoma, as well. Skin cancer of this variety is typically called ocular melanoma. Here’s what you need to know about the condition.
How Do I Know If I Have Ocular Melanoma?
Unfortunately, you won’t see an unsightly blotch on your eye to warn you of ocular melanoma. Ocular melanoma usually has no easily detectable symptoms in the early stages. However, it is imperative that you detect eye melanoma as early as possible since there is treatment available, and large eye melanomas can result in some loss of vision.
As the melanoma progresses, symptoms will start to appear. These symptoms can include poor or blurry vision in the affected eye, loss of peripheral vision, a feeling of seeing flashing lights or flashes or specks of dust, and a change in the shape of the pupil. You may also notice a growing dark spot on your iris. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor immediately.
How Can I Prevent Ocular Melanoma?
There is no known way to avoid ocular melanoma. As with all melanomas, it is a good idea to avoid exposure to ultraviolet light if you are concerned. Although ultraviolet light may increase the risk of ocular melanoma, ocular melanoma is not caused by sun exposure the way skin melanomas can be.
Ocular melanomas are more common in Caucasians with light eye colors, especially as they get older, with the median age of about 55. People with certain inherited skin disorders may be at greater risk for ocular melanoma. About 2,500 adults a year receive a diagnosis of ocular melanoma.
What Are the Potential Consequences of Ocular Melanoma?
If untreated, ocular melanoma can cause glaucoma or vision loss. In the worst case, the cancer can metastasize and spread to other areas of the body like the bones, lungs or liver.
What Is the Treatment for Ocular Melanoma?
If your doctor determines you have an ocular melanoma, he or she may choose to do nothing but monitor it, as small ocular melanomas that do not grow are usually not harmful. If your ocular melanoma is more serious, however, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the melanoma.
Other treatments may include radiation therapy, laser treatment, or extreme cold treatment. If you have a large, painful tumor in your eye, you may have to have the eye removed, but smaller melanomas usually indicate less aggressive treatment.
Ocular melanoma is not the most common eye disease, but there are many diseases of the eye that you might be susceptible to. The best way to protect yourself is to come in for regular eye examinations by a licensed professional.
If you live in the Portland area, come in to Beaumont Vision for qualified, personal eye care from an experienced professional. To make an appointment, give us a call at 503-331-3937.