Research into eye cancer
We’re funding research to help treat eye cancer more effectively because we believe that people’s sight matters.
Eye cancer, or ocular cancer, means growth of abnormal, cancerous cells inside the eye.
While eye cancer is relatively rare compared to other types of cancer, its effects on vision and eye function can be significant.
Various types of eye cancer can affect different parts of the eye including:
- Retina - the light sensitive layer at the back of the eye
- Uvea - the deep layer that surrounds the eye and includes the coloured iris at the front
- Conjuctiva - the protective membrane at the front of the eye
- and other surrounding structures (e.g. eye lids)
Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial for managing the condition effectively and improving patient outcomes.
850
cases of eye cancer are diagnosed in the UK each year.
Types of eye cancer and factors
Different types of eye cancer depend on the type of cell and location the cancer started in and whether it is primary or secondary eye cancer.
The most common type of eye cancer is melanoma, a type of cancer which occurs in the colour or melanin containing cells of the body such as the skin or iris.
Different types of eye cancer:
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- Intraocular melanomas: the most common eye cancer originates most often in the uvea. This is the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris, choroid layer and ciliary body and is between the white layer at the front of the eye (the sclera) and the retina.
- Intraocular lymphoma: this occurs mainly in older adults. It can develop in the retina or in the jelly-like substance inside the back of the eye which is called the vitreous. Eye lymphoma usually affects both eyes at the same time.
- Retinoblastoma: this rare type of eye cancer usually affects children under the age of 5. It starts in the retina, the part of the eye that senses light and sends images to the brain.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: this type of cancer usually affects the eyelids. It can also develop on the eye’s surface or tear ducts.
- Conjunctival melanoma: this rare type of cancer starts in the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids.
- Lacrimal gland carcinoma: this rare type of cancer starts in the lacrimal gland, producing tears.
- Orbital lymphoma: this type of cancer starts in the lymphatic tissue in the orbit, the bony socket that holds the eye
Symptoms and treatments for eye cancer
Eye cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, some possible symptoms may indicate the presence of eye cancer:
- Loss of vision or blurry vision
- Flashes and floaters
- Pigmented area on the conjunctiva
- A growing dark spot on the coloured part of the eye (iris)
- A pale raised lump on the surface of the eye (the conjunctiva or cornea)
- Change in the appearance of the eye
- Lump on the eyelids or around the eye
- Seeing spots, flashes of light or wiggly lines in front of your eyes
- Blinkered vision (loss of peripheral vision) - you can see what is straight ahead clearly, but not what is at the sides
- Change in the size or shape of the pupil (the dark spot in the centre of the eye)
- Change in position of the eyeball within its socket
- Bulging of the eye
- Eye irritation, red eye or chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis)
Treatments for eye cancer:
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The main treatments for eye cancer depend on the type of eye cancer, its location, and the stage of the tumour. Here are some common treatments for eye cancer:
- Surgery: surgery often removes the cancerous tumour from the eye. In some cases, the entire eye globe may need to be removed (enucleation) if the cancer is large or causing complications
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer. It is commonly used for small to medium-sized eye melanomas. Brachytherapy, a form of radiation therapy, involves placing tiny plates lined with radioactive material near the tumour and leaving them in place for a specific period to target and destroy cancerous cells
- Chemotherapy involves using drugs to kill cancer cells. In the case of eye cancer, chemotherapy may be administered as eye drops (topical chemotherapy) or through systemic administration, depending on the type and stage of the cancer
- Targeted therapy uses drugs targeting specific molecules or genetic mutations in cancer cells. This type of therapy is still being studied and may be used in some instances of eye cancer as part of clinical trials
- Cryotherapy uses extreme cold to destroy cancer cells. Though it is rarely used it can be a method of treating small eye melanomas
- Photodynamic therapy combines medications with a particular wavelength of light to make cancer cells vulnerable to sunlight. This treatment damages the blood vessels and cells that comprise the eye melanoma. It is typically used for smaller tumours
Treatment of eye cancer requires close collaboration of oncologists and ophthalmologists. Together they can develop a personalised treatment plan for the patient. This gives the person the best chance of preserving their vision and overall eye health
Investing in eye cancer
We have funded a research award to Moorfields consultant Guy Negretti. This allowed him to spend six months at the Wills Eye Hospital in the United States to gain an international perspective on treatment of eye cancer.
