Choroidal nevus and melanoma symptoms

A choroidal melanoma may present with blurred or distorted vision, flashes of light, new floaters, a shadow or curtain-like area, a blind spot, or a change in the shape or appearance of the pupil or iris. A choroidal nevus can look similar, so symptoms cannot identify the diagnosis on their own.

An ophthalmologist examines the inside of the eye and records the lesion's position, size, pigment, and effect on nearby tissue. Photographs and ultrasound or retinal scans may be compared during follow-up. Growth, fluid near the retina, symptoms, and other imaging features can increase concern, while stability may support continued observation. A changing visual symptom has many possible causes, including retinal problems, migraine, cataract, or other eye disease, so it needs proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Arrange an eye examination if a new symptom persists, recurs, or affects reading, driving, or one side of your vision. Tell the clinician when it began, whether one eye is affected, and whether it is changing. If you already have a choroidal nevus, keep the scheduled photographs and scans; comparison over time helps the specialist decide whether observation remains suitable. Do not cover up symptoms with online advice or delay an appointment because the eye is not painful.

Seek urgent medical attention for sudden vision loss, a sudden shower of floaters, flashes with a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, marked redness, or rapidly worsening sight. New weakness, confusion, trouble speaking, or another neurological change also needs emergency assessment. These red flags do not prove melanoma; they can signal other urgent eye or neurological conditions. If a specialist has diagnosed melanoma, report new persistent symptoms promptly so the care plan can be reviewed.

Ask whether the finding is a choroidal nevus, melanoma, or another lesion, and what evidence supports that view. What size and location has been recorded? Is there fluid or growth? Which symptoms should trigger an earlier review? How often should photographs or scans be repeated? Ask how the finding may affect vision, whether you need wider health checks, and who to contact if symptoms change between visits.