WHAT IS OCULAR MELANOMA

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that gives skin its color. Your eyes also have melanin producing cells and can develop melanoma. Eye melanoma is also called ocular melanoma.  Most ocular melanomas form in the part of the eye you can't see when looking into a mirror. This makes ocular melanoma difficult to detect. In addition, ocular melanoma typically doesn't cause early signs or symptoms. Treatment for some small ocular melanomas may not interfere with your vision. However, treatment for large ocular melanomas typically causes some or complete vision loss in the effected eye.

Ocular melanoma commonly develops in the cells of the middle layer of the eye (uvea). The uvea has three parts and each can be affected by ocular melanoma: The iris, which is the colored part in the front of the eye. The choroid layer, which is the layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the sclera and the retina at the back of the uvea. Ocular melanoma can also occur on the outermost layer on the front of the eye (conjunctiva), in the socket that surrounds the eyeball and on the eyelid.

Ocular melanoma treatment options are dependent on the location and size of the tumor. 

• Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy, such as protons or gamma rays, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is typically used for small to medium-sized ocular melanomas.  The radiation is usually delivered to the tumor by placing a radioactive plaque on the eye for four to five days. The radiation can also come from a machine that directs radiation, such as proton beams, to the eye. This type of radiation therapy is often administered over several days. 
• Surgical procedure to remove part of the eye or a procedure to remove the entire eye and surrounding tissue such as eyelids and orbit. The procedure depends on the size and location of the tumor. Options may include: Surgery to remove the entire eye (enucleation). Enucleation is often used for large eye tumors. It may also be used if the tumor is causing eye pain.  After the eye with melanoma is removed, an implant is inserted into the same position, and the muscles controlling movement of the eye are attached to the implant, which allows the implant to move.  After you've had some time to heal, an artificial eye (prosthesis) is made. The front surface of your new eye will be custom painted to match your existing eye.