What should you know about incidence of ocular melanoma?

Ocular melanoma, also called eye melanoma or uveal melanoma, begins in pigment-producing cells in the eye. Incidence is a population measure used for planning and comparison; it does not predict whether a particular blurred spot, flashing light, or dark mark is cancer.

Some tumours are found during a routine eye examination before noticeable symptoms. Others may cause blurred or reduced vision, flashes, floaters, a change in the pupil, or a visible dark area. These signs have many possible causes, so an eye specialist needs to examine the eye and may use imaging.

Arrange an eye examination for persistent or unexplained changes in vision, a new visual field gap, or a new mark on the eye. Bring details about when the change began, whether one or both eyes are affected, and any previous eye conditions. Do not rely on incidence figures to decide whether assessment is needed.

If a tumour is diagnosed, the eye team will discuss its location, size, vision, and general health before recommending monitoring, local treatment, radiotherapy, or another approach. Brachytherapy is one form of local radiation that may be considered for selected tumours.

Seek urgent eye or emergency assessment for sudden loss of vision, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, marked redness, new double vision, or sudden neurological symptoms. Prompt assessment matters even when the cause is not cancer.

Which part of the eye is affected, and what tests confirmed the finding? Is observation appropriate, or should treatment begin now? How might treatment affect vision? What changes should lead me to contact the eye team urgently?