The small brown spot or two in your eye looks harmless, but should you be concerned? Find out what that brown blemish on your eye likely is, why it appeared, how it may affect your vision, and whether you need treatment options from a top ophthalmologist in Sun City, Arizona.
What does a brown spot on the eye mean?
Researchers refer to a pigmented lesion on the eye as a nevus. Nevi are benign (noncancerous) growths that contain melanin-producing cells called melanocytes. They are commonly known as freckles or moles, except they develop on the eye.
These eye freckles have different types depending on where they appear:
- Nevi arise in the white parts of the eye.
- Conjunctival nevi appear in the conjunctiva or clear protective layer of the eyeball.
- Iris nevi form in the colored partition of the eye.
The majority of nevi are harmless. However, new or existing lesions that change in size, color, or shape should be examined by an ophthalmologist near you. In rare cases, a brown spot could be a sign of cancer called ocular melanoma. This extremely rare malignancy has an incidence of 5 per one million adults. It often begins in the eye’s middle layer (uvea), which can be unnoticeable when looking in the mirror.
What are the causes of a brown spot on the eye?
Melanocytes are the same cells responsible for pigment in our eyes, skin, and hair. While these cells usually disperse evenly throughout the body, they can also gather in clusters, which is how a nevus forms. Nevi can be present from birth or develop later in life.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests a highly probable link between exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light and nevi development. Moreover, individuals with light-colored eyes (blue, green, or hazel), fair skin, or dysplastic nevus syndrome, also called atypical mole syndrome, are at increased risk for ocular melanoma.
Again, while most brown spots on the eye are harmless nevi or areas of increased pigmentation, any new or changing lesion requires the expert opinion of an ophthalmologist to rule out eye cancer or other life-threatening conditions. Regular eye exams are the best way to monitor ocular health and catch problems early.
When to Seek Medical Care for Brown Spots on the Eye
A nevus typically has no symptoms. You may only notice having one or more when looking in the mirror. Regardless, consult a doctor if you see a brown spot in your eye. While the eye freckle is likely benign, it may develop into cancer over time. A doctor may monitor it by taking pictures every year and comparing the images to ensure the spot is not showing signs of cancer.
If you notice sudden changes in vision or experience discomfort, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor in Phoenix, AZ. More specifically, you should seek medical evaluation for your eye spots if:
- You are experiencing eye pain, redness, or swelling, which can indicate inflammation or infection that requires diagnosis and treatment.
- Your vision becomes blurred, obscured, or doubled. Vision changes can signal a problem with the retina or optic nerve.
- The spots are getting bigger. Though most spots are noncancerous, some can be a sign of melanoma or other serious eye conditions.
In addition, symptoms of ocular melanoma may include:
- A dark spot on the iris that’s increasing in size
- Changes in your pupil’s shape or size
- Changes in your eyeball’s position in the socket
- Bulging eyes
- Flashing lights or floaters in your field of vision
- Blurry vision or losing parts of your vision
Remember, early detection of any eye condition is critical to preventing vision loss and maintaining eye health.
How to Remove a Brown Spot on the Eye
An eye care team may refrain from removing a harmless brown spot, as doing so could damage your eye. However, if the spot is malignant, doctors may recommend various therapeutic options to address the condition.
Treatment Options for Brown Blemishes on Your Eye
Treatment for ocular melanoma is necessary to prevent vision loss. For small melanomas, some healthcare providers may recommend monitoring the lesion without immediate intervention. If treatment
Therapeutic Approaches
The primary treatment options for eye cancer include topical chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiotherapy. In brachytherapy, a form of radiotherapy, medical professionals place a radioactive disk near the tumor site within the eye socket. They secure this disk in place and leave it for a designated treatment period, typically lasting a few days. Alternatively, in some cases, doctors utilize external beam radiation therapy.
Surgical Excision
Depending on the location and size of the melanoma, a surgeon may opt to remove the affected area. In rare cases, the complete removal of the eye (enucleation) may be necessary.
Immunotherapy Advancements
In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Kimmtrak, an immunotherapy drug, for treating uveal melanoma – an unresectable cancer. Before receiving this therapy, you will need a blood test to check for a specific human leukocyte antigen.
Post-Treatment Monitoring
Following any intervention, close monitoring is crucial to assess the effectiveness of treatment and check for signs of recurrence or metastasis.
The Bottom Line
You now have a better understanding of those brown spots that can appear on your eyes. While the majority is harmless, some may point to more serious conditions. Being proactive by getting regular eye exams, wearing sunglasses, and maintaining healthy habits can help prevent worst-case scenarios.
Don’t Let Poor Vision Be Your Future
Regular eye exams in Sun City, Arizona, are crucial for preserving your vision and catching sight-threatening conditions early. Many issues, like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and ocular melanoma, have discreet or no noticeable symptoms early on. But left untreated, they can cause permanent vision loss.
Catching these problems as soon as possible gives ophthalmologists the best chance to stop vision loss in its tracks. An eye exam can detect conditions that may worsen over time, and your eye doctor can recommend treatment and lifestyle changes to help maintain your sight.
If your last checkup was years ago, make an appointment with Arizona Retinal Specialists today. Getting a baseline of your current vision and eye health is the first step toward preserving your sight. Call us at 623-474-3937 to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.
