Cancer can develop in any part of the body, including the eyes. Among several types of eye cancers, Ocular Melanoma is one of the most serious ones. Ocular Melanoma occurs when cancer develops in the melanin, the cells that produce pigment in the iris.
Here are a few of the important things to know about Ocular Melanoma:
1) Ocular Melanoma is common in adults
Your risk of Ocular Melanoma increases as you age. If you fall under the age group of 50 and above, it’s important to visit an eye doctor every year. Our team of eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the top eye hospitals in Kolkata, use advanced medical tools and technology for precise diagnosis and treatment. Book an appointment online at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.
Also, another important reason to visit an eye doctor every year is Ocular Melanoma causes little or no symptoms during the early stages, and, therefore, usually goes undetected until it worsens.
2) Look out for a dark spot in the eyes
As Ocular Melanoma develops and starts progressing, it can cause a dark spot to develop in the iris or the conjunctiva, the front white part of the eyes. If the development of a dark spot is accompanied by a change in the shape of the pupils, it could be an indication of eye cancer. Make sure not to neglect the symptoms and instead consult with an eye doctor.
3) Prolonged exposure to sunlight increases Ocular Melanoma risk
While you may enjoy basking in the sun, you are putting yourself at the risk of Ocular Melanoma. This is because prolonged exposure to UV (ultraviolet) rays increases the risk of eye cancer. Take proper safety precaution by wearing a pair of sunglasses when spending time outdoors. Choose a pair of sunglasses that has UVA and UVB protection.
4) A major risk factor of Glaucoma
As Ocular Melanoma progresses, it can increase the risk of a vision-threatening eye complication called Glaucoma. The eye complication occurs when the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) increases.
If the progression of Ocular Melanoma leads to the onset of Glaucoma, you may experience several symptoms such as persisting eye pain, blurriness in vision, and seeing halos around the light.
5) Ocular Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body
One of the main reasons why Ocular Melanoma is a highly serious eye complication is the fact that the eye cancer can spread to other parts of the body, including the skin, bones, lungs, and liver. When any type of cancer spreads to other parts of the body, the process is called metastasis.
6) Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome increases your Ocular Melanoma risk
If you have Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, you stand at an increased risk of Ocular Melanoma. Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome is an inherited skin disorder that causes abnormal moles. The skin disorder also increases the risk of Melanoma of the skin.
7) Radiation is one of the most common treatment options
Although Ocular Melanoma is a serious form of eye cancer, it can be successfully treated. Radiation is one of the commonly-preferred treatment options; it involves deteriorating the cancerous tumour by exposing it to radioactive particles. This treatment can take 4 to 5 days.
8) Laser treatment is another effective option
Another way to successfully treat Ocular Melanoma is by using laser treatment. Eye specialists choose this treatment option if the cancerous tumour in your eye is small. The treatment involves using a precisely-targeted infrared light to kill the tumour. Eye doctor adjusts the intensity of the infrared light in such a way that it can kill the cancer cells without causing damage to other parts of the affected eye.
9) Exercise regularly to reduce your risk of Ocular Melanoma
Physical inactivity is one of the general risk factors of cancer. Exercising regularly is a good way to reduce your risk of Ocular Melanoma. Depending on your age, you may choose low to moderate-intensity exercises such as jogging, running, swimming, and brisk walking.
If you are suffering from another health complication, make sure to consult with your eye doctor and plan your exercise regime accordingly.
10) Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
Although eating regime and Ocular Melanoma may not have a direct correlation, keeping your eyes healthy by eating a nutritious diet is a good way to reduce your risk of eye cancer.
At Disha Eye Hospitals, we have a team to have highly experienced ophthalmologists and eye specialists. We provide treatment for Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Glaucoma, and many other eye problems. To know about Cataract surgery cost in Kolkata, visit our hospitals. To know more about us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.