How effective is brachytherapy for eye melanoma?

A thin plaque carrying radioactive material is placed on the outside of the eye over the tumour and removed after the planned exposure. This lets radiation reach the melanoma from close range while reducing exposure to more distant tissue.

The eye may be preserved, but useful vision is not guaranteed. Tumours near the macula, optic nerve, lens, or other delicate structures can threaten sight through the melanoma itself or through later radiation effects. Eye specialists use scans and examinations to balance tumour control with vision protection.

Ask where the melanoma sits in relation to the macula and optic nerve, how the plaque will be positioned, and whether you will stay in hospital while it is in place. Tell the team about previous eye treatment, reduced vision, medicines, and other health conditions. After removal, use prescribed drops and attend eye examinations so pressure, retina, and vision can be checked.

Contact the eye oncology team for increasing redness, discharge, worsening pain, new flashes or floaters, a curtain-like shadow, or a noticeable change in vision. Sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or injury to the treated eye needs urgent assessment.

What is the aim of plaque brachytherapy in my eye? Which parts of my vision are closest to the tumour? What short-term restrictions apply while the plaque is in place? How will you monitor the retina, optic nerve, and eye pressure afterward?