Living with Melanoma associated retinopathy
A rare immune condition in some people with melanoma that harms the retina and affects vision.
Understanding Melanoma associated retinopathy
In MAR, the immune system responds to melanoma (a skin cancer) and mistakenly attacks cells of the retina, the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. GARD says it is poorly understood why this happens in some people and not others.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list, but its summary describes these:
- Night blindness
- Seeing flashes of light (photopsia)
- Vision loss that gets worse and is painless
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Melanoma Research Alliance
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The immune system, in response to melanoma, mistakenly attacks cells of the retina. It is not well understood why this occurs in some people and not others.
Also known as: melanoma-associated retinopathy
Patient organizations
- Melanoma Research AllianceMelanoma associated retinopathy · United States
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Perspectives from people navigating life with Melanoma associated retinopathy.
Explore research for Melanoma associated retinopathy
Explore actively recruiting Melanoma associated retinopathy studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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