eye disorders
Cancers Affecting the Retina
Choroidal melanoma
Choroidal melanoma is a cancer that originates from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) of the choroid. Choroidal melanoma is the most common cancer originating in the eye. It is most common among White people. It occurs most frequently at age 55 to 60. In its early stages, the cancer usually does not interfere with vision. Later, it may cause blurred vision or retinal detachment, with symptoms such as flashes of light, a veil or curtain across the visual field, or a sudden increase or change in floaters (objects that appear to move through a person's field of vision). Melanomas, particularly if large, may extend into the orbit or spread through the bloodstream (metastasize) to other parts of the body and may be fatal. A doctor's examination of the eye Other tests Early diagnosis of choroidal melanoma is important because smaller tumors are easier to cure. The diagnosis is made using an ophthalmoscope and doing tests, which may include Ultrasonography , For small tumors, laser, radiation, or a radioactive implant For large tumors, removal of the eye If the melanoma is small, treatment with a laser, radiation, or an implant of radioactive materials may preserve vision and save the eye. If the cancer is large, the eye may have to be removed. 