What should you know about melanoma ocular cancer?

The term can refer to melanoma in different parts of the eye, including the uveal tract or tissues around the eye. Some people notice blurred vision, flashes, floaters, a shadow in the visual field or a visible change, while others have no early symptoms. These signs can also have non-cancerous causes, so an eye examination is needed rather than judging the diagnosis from a symptom.

Assessment may include a dilated eye examination, ultrasound or other imaging, and sometimes a biopsy or scans to understand whether disease is confined to the eye. The specialist uses the tumour's position and size, vision considerations and overall health when discussing options.

Arrange review with an ophthalmologist experienced in eye tumours. Take previous eye reports and a list of medicines, and describe when any visual change began. Possible management may include focused radiation, laser-based treatment, surgery or medicine for disease outside the eye; the choice depends on the findings. You can read about [Melanoma](/conditions/melanoma/) and [Immunotherapy](/treatments/systemic-therapy/immunotherapy/) as background for a specialist discussion.

Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden loss of vision, a curtain-like shadow, severe eye pain, marked redness, new double vision or a rapidly worsening visual disturbance. These symptoms can signal several eye emergencies and should not wait for a routine appointment. If a specialist has already identified ocular melanoma, promptly report new headaches, weakness, confusion, breathing symptoms or persistent abdominal discomfort because the follow-up plan may need review.

Ask where the melanoma is located, how its extent was assessed, whether a tissue sample is needed, how treatment could affect vision, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent call. Ask how follow-up imaging will be arranged and whether [Follow-Up After Cancer Treatment](/treatments/survivorship-and-rehabilitation/post-treatment-surveillance/) is part of your care.