Even if eye cancer is rare and it mainly affects people over 50, the number of young people diagnosed with this type of cancer continues to increase. Unfortunately, many of them are diagnosed at an advanced stage of the disease. The most common eye cancer is melanoma, skin cancer that forms in the middle of the eyeball. Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning cabins is a major risk factor.
A blurred vision or sudden changes in sight
Persistent concentration difficulties or double vision can be a sign of a more serious problem. For Neil Laird, optometrist, “Many people tend to neglect changes in their vision or the appearance of their eyes, thinking that it is simply the result of aging, stress or simply of too long use of their screens “.
Dark spots on the iris
Whether growth or more or less large spots on the colorful part of your eye, these signs must be taken seriously.
Lightnings of light or dark forms
These phenomena can indicate retina problems or tumors in the eye.
Bumps or swelling around the eye
A persistent swelling or the appearance of a bump should not be overlooked.
Redness or irritation
If redness persists despite standard treatments, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.
Swelling or changes of appearance
A sudden difference in symmetry or a prominent eye requires special attention.
Peripheral loss of vision
A gradual narrowing of your visual field can be a sign of a serious illness.
“”Most of these symptoms are often considered mild by most of us. This is why they can be easily ignored “notes Neil Laird.
Early diagnosis increases the chances of survival
The optometrist advises to consult a doctor when a symptom, apparently benign, persists over time. “” “Eye cancers are not deadly if they are detected early”Insists the expert.
People who have a close family person (parent, brother/sister) who have already had an eye cancer have an increased risk of 30 to 50% of developing this type of cancer. This is why they are recommended to consult an ophthalmologist once a year (once every two years for the rest of the population).
Early detection significantly improves the effectiveness of treatments, with 95% of diagnosed patients who survive the disease for a year or more.
What are the different cancers of the eye?
The most frequent cancer melanoma is, but there are others:
- Basocellular carcinoma and epidermoid carcinoma which are also cancers of the skin that can touch the eye;
- Lacrimal glands cancer, a rare cancer type that begins in the glands that produce a liquid that cleanses and protects the surface of the eyelid;
- Rhabdomyosarcoma, cancer that affects muscles, tendons and nerves, can also appear around the eye.