Eye cancer

NHS Choices information about ocular melanoma (eye cancer), with links to other useful resources.

Melanoma of the eye

Retinoblastoma



## Melanoma of the eye

Melanoma is cancer that develops from pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Most melanomas begin to grow in the skin, but it is possible for melanomas to begin in other parts of the body such as the eye.

### Eye cancer (melanoma) symptoms

Symptoms include blurred vision, flashing lights, shadows and cataracts (misting of the lens in your eye).

### Eye cancer (melanoma) outlook

The outlook for ocular melanoma depends on how advanced it is when you are diagnosed and which parts of the eye are involved. Of people diagnosed with early-stage melanoma, when the cancer is still small, about 84% will live for at least five years after diagnosis.


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## Retinoblastoma

[Retinoblastoma](/health-library/conditions/retinoblastoma) is a rare type of eye cancer that affects children younger than five. It is usually caught and treated early in the UK, which is why over 98% of children with retinoblastoma are successfully treated.


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References

Healthily's medical team

Article information

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The most common type of cancer to affect the eye is ocular melanoma, or melanoma of the eye.