Signs of Eye Cancer

Intraocular melanoma, or eye cancer, is a rare form of the disease that affects the three parts of the uvea, or middle layer of the eye. It manifests itself in the iris, the ciliary body and the choroid of the eyes. People who are at a high risk of getting eye cancer include older, white individuals with fair skin and green or blue eyes. This form of cancer, because of its rarity, is called a silent killer. However, various signs of eye cancer can lead to an early diagnosis.

Decreased Vision

• The American Cancer Society says that one of the first signs of eye cancer is a decreased ability to see, blurred vision and loss of the line of sight or peripheral vision (see Resources).

Dark Spots

• The National Cancer Institute states that the development of dark spots on the eye's iris is a sign of eye cancer. If doctors notice these spots, the cancer may be in its early stages.

Floaters

• The American Cancer Society says that people with eye cancer see things like spots, wavy line or flashes of light floating in their field of vision (see Resources).

Eyeballs and Pupils

• People with eye cancer may see their eyeballs change positions within the socket, or notice a change in the shape of their pupils.

Eye Pain

• Eye pain is a more serious signs of eye cancer. The American Cancer Society states that pain means that the cancer has spread outside of the eye (see Resources).

Eyeball Movement

• The American Cancer Society says that if people experience bulging eyeballs, or their eyeball movement within the socket changes, then this may be an indication that eye cancer is present.