Uveal melanoma symptoms

Common symptoms of uveal melanoma include blurred vision, visual field loss, floaters or black spots in the eye. If you experience these abnormalities, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent the disease from getting worse. This type of tumor is relatively rare, but it is a potentially life-threatening malignant tumor.

1. Blurred vision and visual field loss

The most common symptom of uveal melanoma is a sudden decrease in vision or gradual blurring. Some patients may feel that their peripheral vision is limited or that a blind spot in a certain area is enlarged. This is usually due to the pressure exerted by the tumor on the retina and the tissues below it, or local bleeding caused by tumor blood vessels. When the visual field defect is obvious or the vision decreases sharply, you should go to the ophthalmology department for examination immediately, and further confirm the diagnosis through ophthalmoscope, OCT optical coherence tomography or ultrasound.

2. Floaters or flashes in the eyes

Many patients will feel an increase in floating objects in their eyes, such as black spots, tiny black shadows, and even a sense of bright light similar to lightning. This may be an abnormal visual signal caused by the tumor affecting the vitreous body or optic nerve in the eye. When these phenomena persist or worsen, you should be alert to the possibility of lesions in the uveal region.

3. Protruding eyes or changes in appearance

In some larger uveal melanomas, visible bulging, deformation, or even structural shifting of the eyeball may be observed. Unexplained pain or localized congestion may also occur in the eye, which usually indicates that the tumor has expanded and the condition is more serious.

4. Systemic symptoms

In a very small number of patients, tumor development may cause systemic symptoms such as pale complexion, dizziness and fatigue, which is usually related to the spread or deterioration of the tumor to the late stage. At this time, a systemic examination is required to assess whether there is metastasis.

Once the above symptoms occur, patients should contact an ophthalmologist or oncologist for a comprehensive examination and diagnosis. Treatment options include photodynamic therapy, local surgical resection, or radiotherapy. To protect vision and overall health, it is most important to take intervention measures as soon as possible.

If you have eye and vision problems, early diagnosis is key. Accurate assessment under the guidance of professional doctors and targeted treatment can improve the cure rate and quality of life.