Intraocular (Eye) Melanoma

Intraocular melanoma is the condition wherein malignant or cancerous cells start forming in the tissues present in the eye. Though a rare form of cancer, it is the most widespread eye cancer noted among adults.

Intraocular melanoma originates in the middle of the three layers of the wall of the eye. The outermost layer comprises of the white sclera or the white portion of the eye and the clear cornea in front of the eye. The innermost layer consists of nerve tissue lining known as the retina that detects light and transmits the images via the optic nerve to the brain.

The central layer known as the uvea or uveal tract is the place where intraocular melanoma is known to develop. The uvea comprises of three key parts namely:

Iris – The coloured part lying at the front of the eye and could be noticed via the clear cornea. The pupil is the core of the iris and it modifies size to allow greater or lesser light to enter into the eye.

Ciliary body – It is a band of tissue with muscle fibers located behind the iris that causes variations in the pupil size and the lens contour. The alterations in the shape of the lens help the eye in focussing. The ciliary body additionally produces the clear fluid that is known to fill the space in-between the cornea and the iris.

Choroid – The layer of blood vessels which supply oxygen and nutrients to the eye. Majority of the intraocular melanomas start in the choroid.

Risk Factors:

Any aspect that is known to increase the likelihood of developing a disease is known as a risk factor. Having a risk factor doesn’t necessarily imply that one would develop cancer. Conversely, the absence of risk factors also does not assure one not getting cancer. Those doubtful of being in risk of developing the disease must consult their doctor. The risk factors include:

• Those in the elderly age bracket.
• Being white.
• Those with light tone skin or with green/blue eyes.
• Those most likely to tan.

Eye Cancer Symptoms:

Though there are no preliminary symptoms

• A dark area noted on the iris.
• Experiencing fuzzy vision.
• An alteration in the shape of the pupil.
• Ocular changes.

In case the tumor causes a separation of the retina from the eye, then glaucoma could develop. If this occurs, then there might be not any symptoms or if present they might include:

• Pain experienced in the eyes.
• Blurring of vision.
• Reddish eyes.
• Feeling nauseous.

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