Eye Cancer

What is Eye Cancer?

Eye cancer occurs when cells in or around the eye undergo abnormal changes and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors. These cancers can originate in the eye or spread from other parts of the body. 

The most common eye cancer is melanoma, but there are other types of cancer that can affect different kinds of cells in the eye.

The eye is composed of three layers:

• Fibrous (Outermost layer): It includes the sclera (white of the eye) and cornea (transparent front part that helps focus light).


• Vascular: It includes the choroid, ciliary body, and iris, which provide nourishment, control the lens, and regulate light entering the eye


• Inner: Formed by the retina, which captures visual information and sends it to the brain.

What are the types of Eye Cancer?

Different types of cancer can start in each of these areas.

Intraocular cancers affect the eye itself. There are two types. If it starts in the eye, they are called primary intraocular cancers. Secondary intraocular cancers are cancers that spread to the eye from other cancers in the body.

The most common primary intraocular cancer in adults is uveal melanoma, while retinoblastoma is the most common in children. Intraocular lymphoma, typically a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, can also occur in adults but is less common.

Secondary intraocular cancers are cancers that originate in other parts of the body — most commonly the breast or lungs — and then spread (metastasize) to the eye. 

What are the symptoms of Eye Cancer?

Many people with eye cancer do not experience symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms occur, they may include changes in vision or visible changes to the eye. Pain is uncommon unless the tumor affects surrounding tissues or causes complications.

People with eye cancer may experience the following symptoms:

• Bulging of the eye
• Losing part of the field of vision
• Seeing flashes of light
• Seeing spots, squiggly lines, or floating objects (floaters)
• Trouble seeing

However, some of these symptoms may be caused by a medical condition that is not necessarily cancer. You are advised to see an ophthalmologist for a detailed examination.

What are the risk factors of Eye Cancer?

Some risk factors have been identified to increase your risk of Eye Cancer. They include:

• Age: Most Eye Cancer cases are diagnosed in patients above 50. The exception is retinoblastoma, which affects children under age 5.
• Ethnicity: You are more likely to develop Eye Cancer if you are caucasian or have pale skin.
• Eye colour: People with light-colored eyes (blue or green) have a higher risk of developing uveal melanoma, a common type of adult intraocular cancer.
• Inherited medical conditions: Inherited conditions such as dysplastic nevus syndrome may increase your risk of Eye Cancers.

How is Eye Cancer diagnosed?

Physical Examination

Eye examination by an ophthalmologist is often an essential first step in diagnosing eye cancer. It is done using an ophthalmoscope and slit lamp, a microscope with a light attached to it. If suspicious findings are observed, further imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be done. In some cases, a biopsy may be required for confirmation.

Eye and orbit ultrasound
This is a test to look at the eye area. It also measures the size and structures.


Fluorescein angiography
Helps to provide a detailed picture of the blood vessels in the eye. During the procedure, a fluorescent dye called fluorescein is injected into the patient’s arm. The dye moves through the body and into the blood vessels to the back of the eye; allowing the doctor to take images. Fluorescein angiography may also be used to rule out eye problems other than cancer.