
Melanoma Beyond Skin: The Eye's Hidden Cancer
Melanoma can occur inside the eye (ocular melanoma), including the uveal and conjunctival subtypes, and is not always tied to sun exposure. Early symptoms are often subtle (blurry vision, irritation, flashes or floaters), with risk factors like lighter eye color and certain eye conditions. Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection, as doctors can catch precancerous changes before symptoms arise. Treatments such as laser therapy or plaque brachytherapy can treat tumors, though cures are not guaranteed and outcomes improve with early diagnosis. About 2,000 new ocular melanoma cases are diagnosed annually in the US, with conjunctival melanoma being far rarer.

