What should you know about freckles on iris?

An iris freckle is different from a skin freckle because it sits within the eye’s visible coloured tissue. It may be noticed during a photograph, routine examination or when looking closely in a mirror. A clinician checks its outline, colour, thickness and position, often using magnification, because several pigmented eye lesions can look similar.

Book an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a new, uncertain or changing iris spot. Take a clear photograph only as a record; it cannot replace examination. Wear suitable UV-protective eyewear outdoors and do not try to remove or lighten the spot with drops, lasers or cosmetic products. Monitoring may be recommended when the clinician considers the appearance stable.

Seek prompt eye care if the spot changes, becomes raised, or is accompanied by eye pain, redness, blurred vision, flashes, new floaters or a change in the pupil. Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain requires urgent medical attention.

Ask what the lesion is called, whether photographs or follow-up examinations are needed, what changes to watch for, and which symptoms should lead you to return sooner.