Eye melanoma images: what they can and cannot show

Eye melanoma, also called uveal or ocular melanoma, can arise in structures inside the eye that are not easy to see in a mirror. A photograph may show a dark spot, an uneven area, or a change in the visible part of the eye, while some tumours are found only during a dilated examination. Benign freckles, harmless growths, bleeding, and other eye conditions can look similar in pictures.

Clinicians combine the appearance with the lesion's position, thickness, growth pattern, vision findings, and results from tests such as ultrasound or other scans. A web image cannot determine whether a mark is cancer or show how deeply it extends.

If you have a new or changing mark, take a clear note of when it appeared and whether vision has changed, then arrange an eye assessment. Do not rely on comparing it with online photographs. Bring previous eye records or images if available. Treatment may be discussed after assessment; options can include local treatments such as brachytherapy or radiotherapy, depending on the tumour and the eye.

Seek urgent eye care for sudden loss of vision, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, marked redness with nausea, new double vision, or a sudden shower of floaters or flashes. Arrange prompt review for a persistent new spot, a visible change in the iris, worsening blurred vision, or a new blind area.

Where exactly is the lesion, and what features are you assessing? Which examination or scan is needed? How will you distinguish melanoma from a benign change? If treatment is needed, how might it affect vision and the eye?