Cancer is a condition caused by a development of abnormal cells which multiplies uncontrollably. This leads to a tumour which either remains dormant or spreads.

If the tumour spreads, it is malignant. If it is not spreading then it is benign.

The main types of cancer associated with the eye are:

Carcinoma – Formed in the epithelial tissues (the top layer). Forms in the skin and the outer layer of internal organs.

Melanoma – Formed in the pigment cells, where melanin is produced.

Melanin is a pigment made from cells called melanocytes – which gives us our skin and eye colour. Its function is to protect our bodies from UV rays.

The conditions which can be detected around the eye are:

Basal cell carcinoma – normally on the lower eyelid margin. Usually a well defined nodule, sometimes pearly white colour. This lesion is benign.

Squamous cell carcinoma – also a benign lesion normally detected on the lower eye lid margin. Appears as a protruding mass of dry skin,shaped like a horn.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma – a benign lesion detected on upper eye lid margin, very similar in appearance to a cyst. If cyst is suspected, then a course of antibiotics is prescribed. If it is unresolved, then your Optometrist/GP will refer to investigate.

Conjunctival Naevus – detected on the conjunctiva (on the ‘white’ of the eye).  A benign defined lesion, brown in colour & flat.

Conjunctival Melanoma – detected on the conjunctiva. It is more raised compared to naevus and has blood vessels through it. Potentially life and sight threatening.

Iris Naevus – benign condition very similar to conjunctival naevus located on the iris.

Iris Melanoma – a raised benign lesion which varies in thickness and distorts the pupil as it grows. Brown in colour due to melanin and like Conjunctival Melanoma, it is covered with blood vessels and its progression can lead to Glaucoma.

If any of these conditions is discovered, it should be checked. Book an ‘eye exam’ with your Optometrist.

The following conditions are not visible and is usually detected at your routine eye exam.

Choroidal Naevus – Flat brown non-sight threatening benign lesion, originating from the Choroid (beneath the retina) which is detected on the retina. Your Optometrist will document this finding. If it is new, an annual eye exam may be recommended. After a period of time, if there are no changes, your recall may be reverted to 2 year recall.

Choroidal Melanoma – A life and sight threatening malignant tumour originating from the Choroid. Unlike the Naevus it is raised and has a dome shape which protrudes towards the front of the eye causing blurred vision with sometimes symptoms of flashes & floaters. It needs to be treated as a matter of urgency.

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