The unexpected place you can get melanoma that isn't your skin... and it has nothing to do with the sun 25.01.2026

Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, can also affect the eyes, a condition known as ocular melanoma, with subtypes including uveal and conjunctival melanoma. Unlike skin melanoma, these eye cancers are not primarily linked to sun exposure, but rather to factors like lighter eye color and pre-existing eye conditions. While skin melanoma affects over 200,000 Americans annually, ocular melanoma accounts for approximately 2,000 new cases each year, with conjunctival melanoma being exceedingly rare. Early detection through regular eye exams, recommended every one to two years, is crucial as symptoms like blurred vision, spots, or irritation may not appear until later stages, and the retina's connection to the brain makes undetected ocular melanoma particularly life-threatening.



















