Eye (ocular) cancer happens when cancer cells in your eye grow and multiply, forming tumors. These primary eye cancers originate on your eye’s surface or inside of it.

Tumors on the surface tend to grow slowly, and we often can treat them with surgery. But tumors inside the eye tend to grow and spread faster. They need radiation and other treatments more often than surface tumors.

Sometimes, cancers that start in other areas of the body spread to the eye. These types of eye cancer are called secondary eye cancers.

There are several types of eye cancer. The most common are:

• Uveal melanoma (intraocular or ocular melanoma): Uveal melanoma forms in the eye’s uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye wall and includes the iris, the part of your eye responsible for eye color. Although uveal melanomas are rare, they are the most common primary eye cancer found in adults. The melanoma often grows from a nevus (or “mole”) and can be fatal if it grows and spreads to other parts of the body. Physicians treat uveal melanoma with eye radiation or surgery to minimize the risk of growth and metastasis (spread) of the cancer.
• Retinoblastoma: Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that starts in the eye’s retina. The retina forms the inner layer of the back portion of the eye. It is the part of your eye responsible for sight. Retinoblastomas are the most common primary eye cancer in children. With early care, physicians can successfully treat these eye cancers. Treatments may involve eye laser or surgery and chemotherapy, depending on severity of the cancer.

It’s also possible to develop tumors in other parts of the eye:

• Orbital cancers happen when cancer grows in the tissues around the eye, including muscles and nerves.
• Adnexal cancers grow in structures that support eye health, such as eyelids and tear glands.

In some cases, there are no symptoms of eye cancer. But the cancer can be diagnosed during a routine eye exam.

Common Symptoms

Common eye cancer symptoms include:

• Changes in your eye’s appearance if you have cancer on the surface or around the eye
• Changes in your pupil’s shape
• Changes in how your eyeball sits or moves within the eye socket
• Dark spot on your iris or on the white part of your eye
• Vision changes, including sudden vision loss, blurred vision and new floaters or flashes

Rarely, inherited genes cause cancers in the eye. In our Ocular Genomics Clinic, we provide genetic testing to help you better understand your personal risk. Read more about genomic medicine at UC Davis Health. Researchers are currently investigating other potential causes of ocular cancer.

Some potential risk factors of eye cancer include:

Ophthalmologists (eye specialists) diagnose eye cancer by examining your eyes and getting your medical history. Your ophthalmologist uses standard eye care tools like magnifying lenses and special lights during the exam.

You may have your eyes dilated during your visit. Eye dilation uses special drops to widen your pupils (the black circle in the center of your iris, or eye color). It helps your physician see the back of your eye better.

You may also need more eye imaging tests, such as:

• Ultrasound: An ultrasound exam uses sound waves to create images of your eye.
• CT scan: CT scans create detailed eye images by combining X-rays taken at different angles.
• Fluorescein angiography: Fluorescein angiography uses a special dye to highlight circulation of the retina, choroidal and the tumor.
• MRI: MRI scans use powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to create precise 3D images of the eyes.

Eye surgeons in UC Davis Health’s eye cancer program can remove most tumors from your eye’s surface without removing your eye. Treatment of tumors inside the eye varies depending on the cancer. The treatment may include eye radiation, eye surgery and chemotherapy.

The best eye cancer care involves collaboration among many kinds of eye specialists, including: 

• Eye pathologists (lab specialists who focus on eye tissues and cells)
• Ophthalmologists
• Reconstructive eye surgeons
• Retinal surgeons

At UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, your eye cancer team includes these highly trained eye specialists, along with experts in:

• Cancer
• Diagnostic radiology
• Hereditary Cancer Program
• Hematology and medical oncology
• Radiation oncology
• Pathology and laboratory medicine

These experts work together to create a personalized treatment plan that includes preserving and improving your quality of life. Read more about the advanced care we deliver at UC Davis Eye Center.