Eye Cancer: What to Watch For and How to Get Help

Eye cancer is rare, but it matters. Catching it early can protect your sight and improve outcomes. This page gives clear, practical info on common eye cancers, what symptoms should raise alarm, how doctors check for tumors, and the main treatment options. Use it to know when to act and what questions to ask your doctor.

Signs, risk factors and early warning symptoms

Most people with eye cancer notice changes, not pain. Key signs include a dark spot on the iris, a growing lump on or inside the eye, flashes of light, new floaters, blurry or distorted vision, or a change in the size or shape of the pupil. Children with retinoblastoma may show a white reflex in photos or an eye that points inward.

Risk factors vary by type. Ocular melanoma is more common in adults with lighter eye color and fair skin. Retinoblastoma affects very young children and often has a genetic link. Long-term sun exposure, a history of certain eye conditions, or a family history of eye tumors can raise suspicion. But anyone who notices the symptoms above should see an eye specialist, regardless of risk.

How doctors diagnose eye tumors

Start with an eye exam. A specialist (ophthalmologist or ocular oncologist) will use tools like slit-lamp exam and dilated fundus exam to look inside the eye. Imaging helps confirm size and location: ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and MRI are common. Fluorescein angiography maps blood flow around a tumor. In some cases, a biopsy or genetic tests may be done to guide treatment.

Diagnosis often happens in outpatient clinics. Tests are usually quick and painless. If a tumor is suspected, your doctor will explain the staging and options. Bring a list of your symptoms, any family history, and current medicines to the appointment.

Treatment depends on tumor type, size, and location. Small tumors may be treated with targeted radiation (plaque brachytherapy) or laser therapy. Larger tumors sometimes need surgical removal of the tumor or the eye (enucleation) when vision cannot be saved. For retinoblastoma, chemotherapy or local treatments (cryotherapy, laser) are commonly used to shrink tumors and preserve vision. Newer options include targeted drugs and immunotherapy for certain cases.

Side effects matter. Radiation can affect nearby tissues and vision. Surgery has recovery needs and possible prosthetic fitting if the eye is removed. Your care team will outline risks and follow-up plans. Regular monitoring after treatment is crucial to catch recurrence early.

If you notice new eye changes, don’t wait. Schedule an exam with an eye doctor and, if advised, ask for a referral to an ocular oncologist. Early evaluation gives the best chance to save vision and get the right treatment fast.

Questions to ask at your visit: What type of tumor could this be? What tests do you recommend? What are my treatment choices and side effects? How often will I need follow-ups? Clear answers help you make informed choices.