What should you know about sun spots near the eyes?

A classic sun spot is a flat tan or brown patch on sun-exposed skin. Near the eyes, a similar mark may also be a freckle, melasma, a mole or another lesion. The eyelids and skin beside the eyes are delicate, and a mark may be difficult to assess from a mirror. Note whether it is on the eyelid, under-eye skin or temple, and whether it affects the lash line, eye comfort or vision.

Use sunglasses, a brimmed hat and sunscreen around—but not inside—the eye area, following the product directions. Do not use acids, bleaching creams, home devices or cryotherapy close to the eye without specialist advice. A clinician may discuss a chemical peel, IPL photofacial or picosecond laser treatment only when the exact site and eye-protection plan are suitable.

Arrange assessment for a new, enlarging, irregular, bleeding, crusted or persistently irritated mark near the eye. Seek prompt medical care if there is eye pain, swelling, discharge, vision change or a lesion that does not heal. A changing eyelid or lash-line lesion should not be treated as a cosmetic spot without examination.

Exactly where is the lesion, and what conditions resemble a sun spot there? What eye protection is used during treatment? Should an eye specialist also examine it if the lash line or eye itself is involved?