Things to know

Eye cancer occurs when healthy cells in and around the eye begin to divide and multiply abnormally leading to the formation of a tumour. Eye cancer can develop at any portion of the eye including the eyeball, the orbit (tissues surrounding the eyeball) and the adnexal (supporting structures such as the eyelids). 

There are different types of eye cancers depending on the part of the eye affected.

Intraocular cancers 

The cancers that start in the eye are called intraocular cancers. Intraocular cancers are further divided into two types – primary and secondary. 

Common primary intraocular cancers are Melanoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Retinoblastoma and Medulloepithelioma.

Secondary intraocular cancers are the cancers that start somewhere else in the body and spread to the eye. For instance, lung and breast cancers can cause secondary intraocular eye cancer. 

Eye cancer symptoms vary from person to person. The signs and symptoms are dependent on the type, location and stage of cancer.

Common eye cancer symptoms include:

• Disturbances in vision such as spots, shadows, lines or flashes of light
• Bulging of one eye
• Blurry vision
• Presence of a progressive dark patch in the eye leading to partial loss of vision
• Black spot on white of eye 
• Presence of a lump on the eyelid that’s increasing in size
• Pain in or around the eye 
• Change in size or shape of the pupil
• Change in eye movement within the socket

The above-given eye cancer symptoms can also be caused by other conditions affecting the eye. Sometimes, these symptoms are also not detected in a routine eye test and hence expert clinical intervention is required at an early stage.

The exact cause of eye cancer is not yet known. Researchers believe that DNA changes in the cells in and around eyes lead to the division of healthy cells at an abnormal rate and speed. 

While eye cancer can affect any individual, some people are at a greater risk than others. Common risk factors that lead to the development of eye cancer include:

• Blue, green or grey (lighter) eye colour
• White or pale skin
• Unusual moles on the skin
• Exposure to UV rays
• Overexposure to sunlight 
• Advanced age 
• History of conditions affecting the eyes
• Family history of eye cancer

Eye cancer symptoms may not be obvious during the initial stages. Your healthcare provider will perform a range of tests and exams to understand your stage and type of cancer in order to provide timely and accurate treatment.

Common tests done to diagnose eye cancer include:

• Physical exam
• Ultrasound
• Fine needle biopsy
• Gene expression profiling 
• Imaging tests such as CT scan 

Eye cancer treatment protocols are dependent on various factors such as:

• Your age
• Overall health
• Size and location of tumour
• Stage of cancer
• Severity of symptoms 

Based on the above, your multidisciplinary team determines the type of treatment protocol that is best suited for you. Usually, more than one treatment method is utilised for best possible outcomes. 

Common eye cancer treatment protocols include: 

• Active surveillance
• Surgical removal of the tumour, part of or whole eye
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Laser therapy

It may not be possible to entirely prevent eye cancer. However, you can assess your individual risk and take precautionary measures to reduce your chances of developing the disease.

Eye cancer prevention tips include: 

• Understanding your risk 
• Routine screening
• Wearing sunglasses when outside
• Reducing your exposure to UV rays