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Living with Ocular melanoma

A cancer of the pigment-producing cells in the eye, most often in the middle layer of the eye (the uvea).

Understanding Ocular melanoma

Ocular melanoma is a cancer that starts in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells of the eye.

It can develop in four parts of the eye: the uvea, the conjunctiva, the eyelid, and the orbit. Uveal melanoma, in the middle layer of the eye, is the most common type. Conjunctival melanoma shows up on the surface of the eye and has been increasing. Eyelid and orbital melanoma are the least common.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Melanoma Research Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Expert lists: Melanoma Research Foundation
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 and other patient organizations
  • 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which part of the eye is the melanoma in?
What are the treatment options for this location?
How often will my eyes and overall health be monitored?

Quick facts

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet. It starts in melanocytes, the cells that make the pigment melanin.

Also known as: eye melanoma; eye melanoma (disease); eyeball of camera-type eye melanoma; eyeball of camera-type eye melanoma (disease); malignant melanoma of eye; melanoma (disease) of eyeball of camera-type eye

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Ocular melanomaGARD ID 7236 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Ocular melanoma.

Explore the Ocular melanoma blog

Explore research for Ocular melanoma

Explore actively recruiting Ocular melanoma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ocular melanoma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Ocular melanoma studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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HealthStoryfor Ocular melanoma

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HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Ocular melanoma experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

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