Melanoma of the EyeSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Melanoma of the Eye
Melanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye.
Malignant melanoma - choroid; Malignant melanoma - eye; Eye tumor; Ocular melanoma
Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly. It usually is a type of skin cancer but can occur in any tissue that contains the pigment chemical melanin.
Melanoma of the eye can affect several parts of the eye, including the:
- Choroid
- Ciliary body
- Conjunctiva
- Eyelid
- Iris
- Orbit
The choroid layer is the most likely site of melanoma in the eye. This is the layer of blood vessels and connective tissue between the white of the eye and retina (back of the eye).
The cancer may only be in the eye. Or, it may spread (metastasize) to another location in the body, most commonly the liver. Melanoma can also begin on the skin or other organs in the body and spread to the eye.
Melanoma is the most common type of eye tumor in adults. Even so, melanoma that starts in the eye is rare.
Too much exposure to sunlight is an important risk factor for melanoma. People who have fair skin and blue eyes are most affected.
Symptoms of melanoma of the eye may include any of the following:
- Bulging eyes
- Change in iris color
- Poor vision in one eye
- Red, painful eye
- Small defect on the iris or conjunctiva
In some cases, there may be no symptoms.
Small melanomas may be treated with:
- Surgery
- Laser treatment
- Radiation therapy (such as Gamma Knife, CyberKnife, brachytherapy)
Surgery to remove the eye (enucleation) may be needed.
Other treatments that may be used include:
- Chemotherapy, if the cancer has spread beyond the eye
- Immunotherapy, which uses medicines to help your immune system fight the melanoma
Ophthalmology - Wills Eye Hospital
Carol Shields is an Oncologist and an Ophthalmologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shields is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Melanoma of the Eye. Her top areas of expertise are Retinoblastoma, Melanoma of the Eye, Uveal Melanoma, Vitrectomy, and Iridectomy. Dr. Shields is currently accepting new patients.
Northwell Health Center For Advanced Medicine, RJ Zuckerberg Cancer Center
Richard Carvajal is an Oncologist in Lake Success, New York. Dr. Carvajal is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Melanoma of the Eye. His top areas of expertise are Metastatic Uveal Melanoma, Uveal Melanoma, Melanoma of the Eye, Melanoma, and Tissue Biopsy.
Jefferson Cancer - Honickman Center
Marlana Orloff is an Oncologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Orloff has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Melanoma of the Eye. Her top areas of expertise are Metastatic Uveal Melanoma, Uveal Melanoma, Melanoma of the Eye, Melanoma, and Liver Embolization. Dr. Orloff is currently accepting new patients.
You can ease the stress of illness by joining a cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.
The outcome for melanoma of the eye depends on the size of the cancer when it is diagnosed. Most people survive at least 5 years from the time of diagnosis if the cancer has not spread outside the eye.
If the cancer has spread outside the eye, the chance of long-term survival is much lower.
Problems that may develop due to melanoma of the eye include:
- Distortion or loss of vision
- Retinal detachment
- Spread of the tumor to other areas of the body
Contact your health care provider if you have symptoms of melanoma of the eye.
The most important way to prevent melanoma of the eye is to protect the eyes from sunlight, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are most intense. Wear sunglasses that have ultraviolet protection.
A yearly eye exam is recommended.
Summary: This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of modified immune cells (IL13Ralpha2 CAR T cells) after a chemotherapy conditioning regimen for the treatment of patients with stage IIIC or IV melanoma or solid tumors that have spread to other places in the body (metastatic). The study agent is called IL13Ralpha2 CAR T cells. T cells are a special type of white blood cell (immune cells) ...
Summary: This is a prospective phase II multi-center trial of the combination of the PARP inhibitor olaparib with the immune checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab in advanced uveal melanoma.
Published Date: July 09, 2025
Published By: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Dalvin LA, Shields CL. Tumors of the uvea. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 8.2.
McCannel TA. Epidemiology of posterior uveal melanoma. In: Sadda SVR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al, eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 140.
National Cancer Institute website. Intraocular (uveal) melanoma treatment (PDQ) -- health professional version. www.cancer.gov/types/eye/hp/intraocular-melanoma-treatment-pdq. Updated May 16, 2025. Accessed July 21, 2025.
Shields CL, Shields JA. Overview of management of posterior uveal melanoma. In: Sadda SVR, Sarraf D, Freund KB, et al, eds. Ryan's Retina. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 144.