Melanoma of the eye includes two main types:
2
Conjunctival Melanoma The conjunctiva is the
1
clear covering of the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelids.
Choroid
Uveal Melanoma Uveal melanoma can form in any of these three layers:
Iris
Ciliary body
Symptoms of OM can include bulging eyes, change in color, poor vision, or red/painful eyes, but some people have no noticeable symptoms. • Most OMs are diagnosed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist
• Small and medium-sized tumors can be treated with radiation. Radiation could include proton beam or brachytherapy. • For a larger tumor, removal of the eye (enucleation) is often recommended. • Melanomas that start in the eye are often more resistant to treatment than melanomas that start on the skin once they have spread. • Although individual risk varies, OM generally spreads beyond the eye in about half of all cases, most commonly to the liver. • Currently, there is no known cure for metastatic OM, but there are two treatments which have recently been approved by the FDA, tebentafusp and melphalan directed at the liver.
during a dilated eye exam. • The American Academy of
Ophthalmology recommends an eye disease screening for adults beginning at age 40, at any time with the onset of new symptoms, or at the recommendation of a physician. • Before the primary tumor is treated, it may be possible to have a biopsy to determine your individual risk of developing metastatic disease. • Patients may get their HLA typing through a blood test to better understand their tumor’s behavior and receive more personalized treatment. It can also help identify the best therapies for their specific condition.
The VISION Registry is a patient-powered OM platform that unites patients, caregivers, researchers, and physicians across the globe to share knowledge and experience, accelerate progress, and advance towards a cure. Please help the MRF to advance research by joining the registry at melanoma.org/visionregistry.
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LAST UPDATED 1/2025 BY EXPERTS AND PATIENTS
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