---
title: "Ocular melanoma (eye cancer) | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What ocular melanoma is, why AAO and cancer charities recommend awareness of painless vision changes, how it is detected, and treatment options."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/ocular-melanoma/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Ocular melanoma (eye cancer)

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Ocular melanoma is a rare cancer arising from pigment cells in the eye, most often in the uvea behind the iris. It may cause few early symptoms, which is why routine eye examinations matter. Treatment can include radiation or surgery, and early detection improves outcomes.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Possible symptoms
4. Detection
5. Treatment and outlook
6. Related conditions
7. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Ocular melanoma is the most common primary eye cancer in adults, though it is still rare. It develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells of the eye, rather than spreading from skin melanoma, though the two can be related genetically.

## Possible symptoms

Many cases are found during routine eye tests before symptoms appear.

- Blurred vision or a dark spot in vision
- A visible dark patch on the iris or white of the eye
- Flashing lights or floaters
- Sometimes no symptoms at all

## Detection

Eye specialists examine the inside of the eye and may use ultrasound or imaging to assess suspicious lesions. A pigmented freckle (nevus) in the eye is usually harmless but may be monitored for change.

## Treatment and outlook

Treatment depends on size and location and may include plaque radiotherapy, proton beam therapy, laser, or in some cases removal of the eye to protect life. Early diagnosis and specialist care improve the chance of preserving vision and health.

## Related conditions

## Frequently asked questions

### Is ocular melanoma the same as skin melanoma?

No. Ocular melanoma starts in the eye's pigment cells. It is a separate rare cancer, though some genetic risks may overlap with skin melanoma.

### What are the signs of eye cancer?

Signs can include blurred vision, a dark spot in vision, or a visible lesion on the eye, but many cases have no early symptoms and are found at routine eye examinations.

### How is ocular melanoma treated?

Treatment is specialist-led and may include radiation, laser, or surgery. The aim is to control the cancer while preserving vision when safely possible.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [NHS - Eye cancer](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eye-cancer/)