What is the first treatment for eye melanoma?

Brachytherapy places a small radioactive plaque beside the tumour so radiation reaches the affected area. An eye specialist and radiation team plan its position using eye examination and imaging. The treatment choice depends on tumour location, size, vision in the affected eye, and whether disease is limited to the eye.

Some people may be offered another form of radiotherapy or a different procedure. Treatment can affect vision, the eyelids or nearby eye structures, so the team explains expected benefits and possible effects before proceeding.

Attend an ocular oncology assessment and bring information about previous eye problems, medicines and vision changes. Ask how close the melanoma is to the optic nerve or centre of vision, how treatment will be delivered, and how the eye and general health will be monitored afterward.

Report sudden vision loss, a new curtain or shadow, severe eye pain, marked redness, flashes, or new floaters promptly. After treatment, follow the team’s emergency instructions for increasing swelling, discharge or vision change.

Where exactly is the melanoma? Is plaque brachytherapy suitable for my eye? What vision changes are possible? Would radiotherapy be used instead? How will the eye and other parts of the body be checked during follow-up?