The unexpected place you can get melanoma that isn’t your skin… and it has nothing to do with the sun

The unexpected place you can get melanoma that isn’t your skin… and it has nothing to do with the sun

January 25, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, is often associated with lesions appearing on sun-exposed skin. However, experts are raising awareness that melanoma can develop in an often overlooked area: the eyes.

A Hidden Threat: Melanoma Beyond the Skin

More than 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and while it commonly presents as changing or new moles, rough patches, or color changes on the skin, it can also affect the eyes. This can occur on the eyelids, which are vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, or even inside the eye itself, a condition known as ocular melanoma.

Did You Know? Approximately 1 million US adults are currently living with melanoma, making it the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Understanding Ocular Melanoma

Ocular melanoma encompasses several subtypes, including uveal melanoma and conjunctival melanoma. These cancers arise from melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, eyes, and hair. Damage to these cells can lead to melanoma development.

While sun exposure is a primary cause of skin melanoma, uveal and conjunctival melanomas are not strongly linked to UV light. Individuals with lighter eye colors or pre-existing eye conditions, such as near-sightedness, may face a higher risk.

Rising Rates and the Importance of Early Detection

Melanoma rates have been increasing nationwide. Diagnoses in the US doubled between 1982 and 2011, with a further 31.5 percent increase observed between 2011 and 2019. While melanoma rates are increasing in women over 50, they are decreasing slightly in men under 50.

Due to these rising rates, eye doctors are emphasizing the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams – every one to two years – to detect potential cancerous changes. Subtle changes like blurred vision, spots, or irritation in or around the eye should also prompt a visit to an eye doctor.

Expert Insight: The fact that uveal melanoma can progress without causing pain or vision changes in its early stages underscores the critical role of proactive, routine eye exams. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Dr. Jacqueline Bowen, president of the American Optometric Association, explains that eye cancers can originate in or around the eye, or spread from other parts of the body. She stresses that annual comprehensive eye exams are essential, even in the absence of symptoms, as specialized microscopes can detect early-stage lesions.

Treatment and Outlook

Currently, there are no definitive cures for ocular melanoma. However, treatments like specialized laser therapy and plaque brachytherapy can effectively kill tumor cells. While doctors don’t typically declare patients “cured,” they often achieve a state referred to as NED – no evidence of disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of ocular melanoma?

Early stages of ocular melanomas often have no symptoms. As the disease progresses, patients may experience blurry vision, floaters or flashes in their vision, and changes in pupil shape.

Are certain people more at risk for ocular melanoma?

People with lighter eye colors and pre-existing eye conditions like near-sightedness may be at a greater risk of developing ocular melanoma. However, the exact causes are still unclear.

How often should I get my eyes examined?

Eye doctors urge Americans to have comprehensive eye exams every one to two years to detect potentially cancerous changes.

Given the increasing incidence of melanoma and the potential for it to develop in unexpected areas like the eyes, what steps will you take to prioritize your eye health?

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