Ocular Melanoma: Symptoms, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When we talk about ocular melanoma, a type of cancer that starts in the pigment-producing cells of the eye. Also known as uveal melanoma, it’s the most common eye cancer in adults, though still rare—only about 2,500 cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S. Unlike skin melanoma, this one hides inside the eye, often going unnoticed until it’s advanced. That’s why knowing the signs matters.

Most people don’t feel pain with ocular melanoma, which makes it sneaky. Instead, symptoms like blurry vision, seeing flashes of light, dark spots on your iris, or a change in the shape of your pupil can be early warnings. These aren’t always obvious, and many are mistaken for routine eye strain or aging. If you’ve had unexplained vision changes for more than a couple of weeks, don’t wait. An eye exam with an ophthalmologist can catch it early. Early detection doesn’t just help preserve vision—it can save your life.

Once diagnosed, treatment depends on size, location, and whether it’s spread. Options include radiation therapy (like plaque brachytherapy), laser treatment, or surgery to remove part or all of the eye. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies are being tested in clinical trials, offering hope for cases that have spread beyond the eye. It’s not just about removing the tumor—it’s about managing long-term risks, like metastasis to the liver, which happens in about half of all cases.

People with light eyes, fair skin, or a family history of melanoma are at higher risk. But it can strike anyone. There’s no proven link to sun exposure like with skin melanoma, so wearing sunglasses won’t prevent it—but it won’t hurt either. Regular eye checkups are your best defense, especially after age 50.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just medical jargon. It’s real, practical info from people who’ve lived through this, doctors who treat it, and researchers who are pushing the field forward. You’ll see how treatments compare, what side effects to expect, and how to talk to your care team about your options. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all disease, and neither should your information be.