Melanoma of the eye is cancer that occurs in various parts of the eye, such as the choroid, the iris, or the ciliary body. The choroid layer is the most likely location of melanoma in the eye.

Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that can spread rapidly. It often affects the skin. 

Melanoma is the most common type of eye tumor in adults. Even so, primary melanoma of the eye is rare.

The cancer may only be in the eye, or it may spread to another location in the body. There may be no early symptoms, but the tumor will eventually cause a retinal detachment and distortion of vision.

Excessive exposure to sunlight is an important risk factor. The occurrence of melanoma has greatly increased in recent decades. Fair-skinned and blue-eyed people are affected most often.

• A red, painful eye
• Small defect on the iris or conjunctiva
• Iris color may change
• Poor vision in one eye
• Bulging eyes

An eye examination with an ophthalmoscope may reveal a single round or oval lump (tumor) within the eye.

Tests may include:

• Eye ultrasound examination
• Cranial CT scan to look for spread (metastasis) to the brain
• MRI of the head to look for metastasis to the brain
• Skin biopsy if there is an affected area on the skin