Eye cancer

1 min read

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

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.

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

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.

Retinoblastoma

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.

Important: Our website provides useful information but is not a substitute for medical advice. You should always seek the advice of your doctor when making decisions about your health.