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Moles are masses that grow on the skin. These occur when cells called melanocytes grow together. A ocular nevus is a kind of benign mole that can form in the frontal area of ​​the eye, in the iris or below the retina

Although ocular nevi can appear at any age, most are present from birth. Moles in the eyes are not usually dangerous, but it is important to monitor them as they can transform into melanomas

En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain what are ocular nevi, their causes and treatment. 

ocular nevus

What is the ocular nevus?

The ocular nevus is a mole very similar to the one that forms on the skin. This spot can appear on the front of the eye, under the retina, or on the iris. 

Most of them are benign cell growths. But, like skin moles, nevi can mutate and become melanoma. 

Melanoma is a very aggressive type of cancer that usually spreads rapidly throughout the body. 

People with nevus in the eye should be monitored and monitored regularly. In this way, any change or transformation that occurs in the ocular mole can be detected in time. 

Causes

Like moles that form on the skin, ocular nevi occur due to clustering of melanocytes. Remember that melanocytes are the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes. 

Symptom

Ocular nevi rarely cause symptoms but, although possible but very rare, they can present shedding of fluid from the eye or abnormal growth of blood vessels. If this occurs, there may be a risk of retinal detachment y Sight loss

Unlike nevus, melanoma does cause symptoms that can alert us to its existence. These can be: changes in the color of the iris, blurred vision, red eyes, bulging eyes and defects in conjunctiva or the iris. 

Diagnosis of moles in the eye

The ocular nevus usually appears between birth and 20 years of age. These eye moles can be easily detected through a routine eye exam. 

If you have an ocular nevus, it is best to examine it every 6 months. At each checkup, the ophthalmologist will take a photograph of the mole to analyze its evolution over time. They are generally stable for many years. 

Treatment for ocular nevi

When the ocular nevus is benign, it does not require any type of treatment. However, if it turns into a melanoma, it is necessary to treat it immediately to prevent its spread. 

Ocular melanoma can be treated in two ways: 

  • Radiation. Melanoma in the eyes is usually treated using a type of radiation known as plaque radiation therapy. 
  • Surgery: Ocular melanoma can be removed through surgery. This treatment option depends on the size and area where the melanoma is located. In small tumors, surgery consists of removing the tumor and removing part of the healthy tissue that surrounds it and in the eye melanomas larger may become necessary enucleation of the eye.

Do you need an eye check to make sure everything is okay? Ask us for an appointment at Área Oftalmológica Avanzada and let us know if you have an eye nevus to treat. You are in the best hands!

Summary
Ocular nevus
Article name
Ocular nevus
Description
The ocular nevus is a mole very similar to the one that appears on the skin and they are usually benign. Discover its causes and treatment.
Author
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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Synonyms:
Mole in the eye
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