What is a uveal melanoma ?
Uveal melanoma is a rare malignant (tumerous) cancer, affecting seven people in every million each year. It develops from cells called melanocytes, which are found in the uvea (the middle layer of tissue in the wall of the eyeball). The uveal tract is made up of the choroid, ciliary body and iris.
What causes uveal melanoma?
Normal eye anatomy
There is no known cause of uveal melanoma and it is not related to sun exposure. However, uveal melanoma is more common in those who are fair skinned and have grey/blue eyes. The average age at which an ocular melanomadevelops is 55-60 years old. If diagnosed in younger patients, there may be an association with atypical benign moles or skin melanoma.
What are the symptoms of a uveal melanoma?
For some people there may not be any symptoms and the tumour is found during a routine eye test. For others, it can cause visual disturbances such as flashing lights, blurred vision or a shadow in one eye.
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