Vision Loss and Solar Radiation Treatment for Ocular Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and can affect you anywhere, including your eyes. During the 20th century, surgical removal of the eye was the general treatment for ocular melanoma, according to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Since then, other options have become available that don't require removing your eye.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of ocular melanoma may include color changes, blurred vision, vision loss, or may cause you to see specks and flashes.

Diagnosis

• An oncologist or an eye cancer specialist can determine the severity of ocular melanoma. Only medium-sized tumors are treated with radiation, according to the Eye Cancer Network.

Function

• According to the Eye Cancer Network, ocular melanoma with a medium-sized tumor is treated with radiation to kill the tumor and prevent spreading.

Benefits

• The Eye Cancer Network reports that radiation is generally effective for the removal of a medium-sized tumor on the eye. Surgical removal of the eye is only required for an extremely large melanoma tumor.

Prognosis

• Approximately 90 percent of ocular melanoma patients who undergo solar radiation therapy have their cancer controlled after a five-year period, according to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Also, about 50 percent of patients experience restored vision.