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Eye Cancer
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Eyes Vision

Eye Cancer

Cancer of the eye is an uncommon condition that can originate within the eyeball or spread from other parts of the body.

Overview

Cancer of the eye is uncommon. It can affect the outer parts of the eye, such as the eyelid, which are made up of muscles, skin, and nerves. If the cancer starts inside the eyeball, it is called intraocular cancer.

Types of Eye Cancer

  • Melanoma and lymphoma are the most common intraocular cancers in adults.
  • Retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer in children, starting in the cells of the retina.
  • Cancer can also spread to the eye from other parts of the body.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for eye cancer varies by the type and by how advanced it is. It may include:

  • Surgery
  • Radiation therapy
  • Freezing or heat therapy
  • Laser therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

Early signs often include a change in the size or shape of the pupil, a dark spot on the iris, or a sensation of a foreign body in the eye that does not resolve with standard treatment. Intraocular cancers may present as blurred or distorted vision, decreased peripheral vision, or a shadow moving across the visual field. Pain is not always a primary symptom, so changes in vision quality or appearance of the eye structure should prompt an immediate ophthalmologic evaluation.
While most eye cancers are sporadic, retinoblastoma in children is often linked to a mutation in the RB1 gene, which can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. If a child is diagnosed with retinoblastoma, genetic counseling and testing are recommended for the child and their siblings. Adults with a family history of retinoblastoma or certain syndromes like Li-Fraumeni syndrome may also benefit from genetic screening to monitor for increased risks of other cancers.
Treatment depends heavily on the location and type of cancer. Eyelid cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma, are often treated with surgical excision, cryotherapy, or topical chemotherapy, with a high cure rate if caught early. Intraocular cancers, like uveal melanoma, are more complex and may require enucleation (removal of the eye), proton beam radiation, or plaque brachytherapy to preserve the eye if the tumor is small. The goal for intraocular cancer is often to control the spread to the liver or other organs, whereas eyelid cancer treatment focuses on local removal and reconstruction.
Outcomes vary significantly by the type of cancer and the treatment used. Patients who undergo enucleation will require a prosthetic eye for cosmetic purposes but will lose vision in that eye. Those treated with radiation or partial resection may retain some vision, though it can be affected by complications such as radiation retinopathy or secondary glaucoma. Regular follow-up is critical to monitor for recurrence and manage any residual vision issues or cosmetic concerns.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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