Nobody likes to hear the “c-word” and you wouldn’t wish it on anyone— even your worst enemy. However, as one of the most common forms of death in the United States, it’s safe to say that you or someone close to you will get diagnosed with a form of cancer at some point in your life. Cancer can affect every part of your body— including your vision.
Cancer of the eyes or intraocular cancer is very rare— in fact, there were only just over 3,000 new cases of intraocular cancer in 2017 which is very low compared to other forms of cancer in the US.
Primary Intraocular Lymphoma
A lymphoma is a form of cancer that starts in your lymph nodes which are collections of immune system cells that are spread throughout your body. Typically, lymphoma starts in larger organs of the body like the stomach or the lungs— intraocular lymphoma itself is very rare. Most patients who have intraocular lymphoma have other problems with their immune systems such as AIDS. This form of lymphoma is also prevalent in patients who have brain cancer.
Intraocular Melanoma
You know that you should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays that can cause forms of skin cancer like melanoma, but did you know that you should be protecting your eyes as well. Although you may think your sunglasses or stunna shades are only there for good looks, they can protect your eyes from diseases like intraocular melanoma.
As the most common type of intraocular cancer, intraocular melanoma is still fairly rare. Typically, this form of cancer occurs in the iris and then slowly begin to grow after quite some time— which makes intraocular melanoma have a primarily hopeful prognosis.
Frequent eye examinations can help you catch intraocular cancer early on. Schedule your next eye exam at Wilkinson Eye Center today!
No comments yet.