Eye Cancer (Ocular Melanoma)

Cancer can develop in any part of your body, including your eyes. Eye cancer is rare, but if you or a loved one are diagnosed with the condition, you want experts who know how to fight it from day one. You’ll find them at Emory Healthcare.

Our experienced team includes both eye and cancer specialists. We diagnose and treat all types of eye cancer. You can rely on us for personalized therapies and the support you need to fight your disease head-on.

At Emory Eye Center, you get care that’s individualized for you and your cancer. We offer the latest diagnostic tests and treatment plans based on the specific characteristics of your tumor.

Our team works with one of the highest volumes of eye pathology specimens in the world. This means the Emory eye cancer team is among the most experienced and knowledgeable eye cancer specialists. They collaborate with experts from Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Emory Healthcare and the Cancer Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 

Emory Eye Center is a recognized center of excellence for treating rare and complex cancers. Whether you have one of the more common eye tumors or something unusual, you’ll be in good hands here.

Cancer occurs when cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. These cells may break away from the tumor where they start and spread to other areas of the body.

Eye cancer may begin in the eye or areas around the eye, such as the eyelid, orbit and lacrimal glands, which help produce tears. Cancer may also spread to the eye from tumors that begin in other areas of the body. Noncancerous, or benign, tumors can affect the eye, as well.

The most common type of eye cancer is ocular melanoma. You may be familiar with melanoma skin cancer, which begins in cells that make pigment that colors your skin (melanocytes). You also have melanocytes in your eyes. Cancer can begin in these cells, as well.

Ocular melanoma may begin in different parts of the eye.

• Choroidal melanoma begins in the layer of blood vessels between your retina and sclera. Your retina detects light and sends signals to your brain. Your sclera is the white area of your eye.
• Conjunctival melanoma begins in the membrane that covers the surface of your eye and inside your eyelids.
• Iris and ciliary body melanomas begin in the colored part of the eye (iris) or the area behind the iris (ciliary body).

In its earliest stages, ocular melanoma may not cause symptoms. However, when symptoms occur, they may include:

• A dark area on your conjunctiva or iris
• Blurry vision or limited side vision
• Flashes of light in the eyes
• Pupil changes

Often, doctors first become suspicious about ocular melanoma during an eye exam. If they think you might have the condition, they may do one or more special tests.

In some cases, doctors perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. This involves the removal of tissue from the tumor for examination in the laboratory.