What should you know about ocular melanoma?

Ocular melanoma is a melanoma arising in eye tissues, and it needs specialist assessment to define its location and treatment options. It is also called eye melanoma or uveal melanoma when it starts in the uveal tract. An ophthalmic oncologist uses an eye examination and imaging to assess the tumour’s position, size and effect on vision.

Ocular melanoma may develop in the iris, ciliary body or choroid. Some people notice blurred vision, flashes, floaters, a dark spot or a change in the pupil, while others have no obvious symptoms and the lesion is found during an eye examination. A suspicious area is assessed using techniques such as ultrasound and specialised retinal imaging.

The care plan depends on the tumour’s location, visual function, general health and whether there is concern about spread beyond the eye. Eye specialists may coordinate with oncology and liver or general medical teams for broader assessment.

Arrange review with an ophthalmologist experienced in eye tumours. Bring previous eye reports, scans, glasses information and a list of medicines. Ask how the lesion was identified and whether observation, local treatment or another approach is advised. Brachytherapy places a radiation source close to a selected eye tumour; radiotherapy uses carefully planned radiation to treat a defined area. The specialist will explain suitability and possible effects on vision.

Seek urgent eye or emergency assessment for sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, a new curtain-like shadow, sudden flashes with many floaters, marked redness with vomiting, or an injury to the eye. Contact your treatment team promptly for worsening vision, increasing pain, discharge or a new visual field change during follow-up.

Ask which part of the eye is involved, how confident the diagnosis is, what imaging shows, and whether the aim is to preserve vision as well as control the tumour. Discuss brachytherapy and other radiotherapy options, possible effects on the lens, retina or optic nerve, follow-up eye examinations, and whether wider medical monitoring is recommended.