Eye Tumors: Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore Them
Eye trauma is an injury that can have a significant impact on your vision. This kind of injury can occur from something as small as a speck of dirt trapped under the eyelid or a head blow in a car accident.
Detailed View on Eye Trauma:
Eye cancer is relatively rare, and it’s even rarer for a cancerous tumor to form directly in the eye. However, if you experience any symptoms that seem unusual, it’s important to book an appointment with a retina surgeon ASAP.
Ocular melanoma, also called uveal melanoma or choroidal melanoma, is the most common type of primary cancerous tumor of the eye. This cancer usually appears in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid - these tissues together are known as the uvea. Most ocular melanomas form in the choroid, which is the vascular layer located between the retina at the back of the eye and the sclera (the white part).
Like skin moles, eye moles form when pigmented cells grow together in a cluster. Therefore, an abnormal brown spot on or in your eye could be your first indication of a problem. These tumors often cause no symptoms and are found during routine eye examinations. However, they may cause symptoms like blurry vision or "floaters" - shadows in your visual field.
Cancerous eye tumors are most often metastatic, meaning they develop in another part of the body and then spread to the eye.
Ocular melanoma is the most common type of primary cancerous tumor of the eye. It's made up of pigmented cells and usually occurs in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid. These structures are collectively referred to as the uvea.
Most ocular melanomas form in the choroid, which is the vascular layer located between the retina at the back of the eye and the sclera (the white part).
Warning Signs of an Eye Tumor
Like skin moles, eye moles form when pigmented cells grow together in a group. So, your first indication of a problem may be an abnormal brown spot on or in your eye, known as a nevus.
Since eye tumors usually cause no symptoms, they’re often found during routine eye examinations. However, they may cause symptoms like blurry vision or "floaters," shadows in your visual field.
Some Benign Tumors can cause other issues like:
• A bulge or protrusion in the eye
• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Sense that there’s something in the eye
• Changes to vision
Malignant (cancerous) tumors may additionally result in:
• Light flashes
• An irregular pupil shape
• Glaucoma
• Vision loss
If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, Don't delay your care! Book an appointment with an eye doctor in Plainfield, Illinois. Early diagnosis and treatment often lead to better outcomes, including preserving your sight.
Who is at risk for eye trauma?
Exposure to wind and the sun’s ultraviolet rays is the most common cause of benign growths around the eye, eyelid, and conjunctiva. To prevent growth from developing, wear sunglasses when you go out.
Growths that appear suddenly are usually caused by inflammation or a viral infection. Aging can also lead to benign growth. Large pigmented lesions or moles can be due to genetics or related to an underlying medical condition.
Cancerous tumors develop when changes occur in your genetic material, altering the instructions that tell your cells what they need to do. These changes are called mutations. Some mutations are inherited but may occur after you’re born. Factors that increase the mutation rate include smoking, exposure to radiation or carcinogenic substances, obesity, chronic inflammation, and hormones.
If you're over 50 and have developed an eye tumor, don't worry. These types of tumors are usually benign. However, if the tumor is cancerous or causes symptoms like interference with your vision, you'll need treatment. Call us today 📞 (815)714-9115 or book an appointment online.
