Cancers That Affect the Eye and Vision
Cancer is something that no one wants to think about, and something that all of us likely fear. But when you think about a topic like cancer, we are most likely to be concerned about cancer of the lungs, the breast, the pancreas, or even the skin. Very few of us think about eye cancer.
In fact, many people may not realize that eye cancer even exists. The sad fact is that virtually anywhere you have living cell tissue, you can get cancer. Because of this, the eye is certainly no exception. Here are some of the main types of eye cancers you need to be aware of when it comes to maintaining the health of your eyes.
Ocular Melanoma
When you think of a melanoma, you almost invariably think of skin cancer. But melanoma means cancer related to your melanin, the substance in your body that produces the pigmentation of your skin, your hair, and also your eyes.
Eye cancer is rare, but ocular melanoma, also known as uveal melanoma, is probably the most common type. It usually develops in the choroid, whose cells are pigmented in a manner similar to the skin. Ocular melanoma is more common in people with light colored eyes of Caucasian descent, especially as they grow older or if their eyes have been exposed to excessive sunlight.
Ocular melanoma can result in pain and loss of vision. Treatment may include chemotherapy eye drops, surgery to remove the tumor, or plaque radiation therapy.
Primary Intraocular Lymphoma
Another slightly less common type of eye cancer is primary intraocular lymphoma. Again, you may associate lymphoma with another part of the body, like the stomach or the lungs, but it can occur in the eye as well. This type of eye cancer typically only occurs in the elderly, or people with an immunodeficiency disorder such as AIDS.
Most people who get this type of cancer get it in both of their eyes. Symptoms can include loss of vision, blurry vision, floaters, eye redness or swelling, and light sensitivity. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy and external radiation.
Retinoblastoma
One type of eye cancer that strikes young children is known as retinoblastoma. This is a very dangerous, aggressive cancer that is the result of a genetic mutation and can quickly spread from the retina of the eye to other parts of the body.
Retinoblastoma can present as a pupil looking white when light flashes on it, as eyes looking in different directions, or as redness or swelling of the eye. The entire range of treatment options are used to treat this cancer, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, laser therapy, heat or cold therapy and even removal of the eye, if necessary, to prevent the spread of this cancer to the rest of the body.
Comprehensive Eye Exams Can Help to Prevent Cancer
Although eye cancers are rare, they are one of many reasons why it is crucial for you and your children to get comprehensive eye exams on a regular basis. In addition to allowing us to find appropriate ways to correct your vision and to help you see better on a day-to-day basis, many eye diseases have a much better prognosis if diagnosed early. Further, they may not have obvious symptoms that would allow you to detect them on your own.
At Beaumont Vision in Portland, OR, we have friendly and highly knowledgeable residency-trained optometric physicians ready to give you a comprehensive eye exam in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Don’t put off your eye health. Book an appointment today!