Eye Melanoma: The Rare Eye Cancer Every Australian Should Know About
National Skin Cancer Action Week—16 November to 22 November
Most Australians understand the importance of protecting their skin from melanoma, but far fewer realise that melanoma can also develop inside the eye.
As part of Cancer Awareness initiatives, it’s important to shine a light on eye melanoma, a rare but serious form of cancer that can affect vision and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body. While eye melanoma is uncommon, early detection can make a significant difference to treatment options and outcomes.
Because when it comes to eye health,
what you can’t see can sometimes matter most.
At Optical Superstore, we’re passionate about helping Australians understand the value of regular eye examinations, not just for clear vision, but for overall eye health. Let’s break it down…
What Is Eye Melanoma?
Eye melanoma, also known as ocular melanoma or uveal melanoma, develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment responsible for eye colour.
Most eye melanomas occur in the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes:
- The choroid (where around 90% of eye melanomas develop)
- The ciliary body
- The iris
Unlike skin melanoma, many eye melanomas develop deep inside the eye and cannot be seen simply by looking in the mirror. As a result, many cases are found during routine eye examinations or specialised imaging tests.
How Common Is Eye Melanoma?
Eye melanoma is considered a rare cancer. In Australia, approximately 200 people are diagnosed with uveal melanoma each year, making it the most common cancer that originates inside the eye, despite remaining relatively uncommon overall.
Who Is Most at Risk of Eye Melanoma?
Eye melanoma can affect anyone, but it is more commonly diagnosed in older adults and people with certain characteristics that increase risk. These may include:
- Fair skin that burns easily
- Blue, green or other light-coloured eyes
- Fair or red hair
- A personal or family history of melanoma
- Certain inherited skin conditions
- Eye freckles or other pigmented growths within or on the eye
- Primary Acquired Melanosis (PAM), a condition that causes abnormal brown pigmentation on the surface of the eye
Researchers are still working to better understand the causes of eye melanoma. Unlike skin melanoma, the link between ultraviolet (UV) exposure and eye melanoma is not yet fully established, although some studies suggest a possible connection between UV exposure and rarer forms such as conjunctival melanoma.
While these factors may increase risk, many people diagnosed with eye melanoma have no obvious warning signs. This is one reason why regular comprehensive eye examinations are so important, particularly as we get older.
Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
One challenge with eye melanoma is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms. So, what symptoms should prompt you to book that eye test?
- Blurred vision
- Reduced vision in one eye
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Floaters appearing in your vision
- Flashes of light
- Shadows or blind spots
- Changes in pupil shape
- A dark spot developing on the iris
- New dark patches on the white of the eye
It’s important to remember that these symptoms do not automatically mean cancer. Many common eye conditions can cause similar changes. However, an optometrist or eye care professional should assess any sudden or persistent visual change as soon as possible.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Many eye diseases develop silently, and eye melanoma is no exception. Comprehensive eye examinations allow optometrists to look beyond your prescription and assess the health of structures deep within the eye.
Modern technology can help detect changes that may otherwise go unnoticed, including:
- Retinal photography
- Ultra-widefield imaging
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- Ophthalmoscopy
In many cases, detecting abnormalities early can lead to earlier referral, earlier treatment and improved outcomes. If an optometrist identifies an area of concern, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist for further investigation.
The Takeaway: Eye Health Is About More Than Vision
Most people book an eye test when their glasses need updating. However, comprehensive eye examinations can reveal much more than changes in prescription.
Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration and, in rare cases, eye melanoma may show little to no symptoms in their early stages.
That’s why routine eye examinations remain one of the most important steps you can take to protect your long-term eye health.
Don't Wait for Symptoms
Eye melanoma is rare, but early detection matters. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, new spots on your eye, flashes, floaters or any unusual visual symptoms, book an eye examination promptly. And if it has been more than three years since your last comprehensive eye test, now is a great time to schedule one.
Because when it comes to eye health, what you can’t see can sometimes matter most.
If you’re interested in more information on this and other types of cancer, the research being done, and further cancer research resources, please visit the Cancer Council site here: CANCER COUNCIL.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about your eye health or vision, consult your optometrist, GP or ophthalmologist.
