About Eye Melanoma
Key Highlights
-
Preserves vision and the eye whenever possible, avoiding complete removal.Utilizes highly targeted treatments like radiation to minimize damage to surrounding healthy eye tissue.Offers a range of treatment modalities tailored to the specific size, location, and type of tumor.Managed by specialized ophthalmologists (ocular oncologists) with expertise in eye cancers.Early and effective treatment can significantly improve long-term outcomes and survival rates.
Who is this surgery for?
- Presence of a suspicious pigmented lesion in the eye identified during a dilated eye exam.
- Confirmed diagnosis of uveal melanoma (in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid) via imaging like ultrasound and angiography.
- Growth of a known eye lesion over time.
- Tumor size or location that poses a risk to vision or has potential to spread (metastasize).
- Patient symptoms such as blurred vision, flashes of light, a growing dark spot on the iris, or change in the shape of the pupil.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive eye examination including dilated fundoscopy and imaging tests (OCT, ultrasound, fluorescein angiography).
- Systemic evaluation to check for any potential spread (metastasis), which may include blood tests and imaging of the liver and chest.
- Detailed discussion with the ocular oncologist about all treatment options, goals, risks, and expected outcomes.
- Informed consent process after understanding the procedure details.
- Pre-operative instructions which may include fasting if surgery or sedation is planned.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure, as vision may be temporarily impaired.
Risks & possible complications
- Partial or complete vision loss in the treated eye.
- Cataract formation due to radiation exposure.
- Radiation retinopathy or optic neuropathy, damaging blood vessels or the optic nerve.
- Glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
- Hemorrhage (bleeding) inside the eye.
- Retinal detachment.
- Recurrence of the melanoma in the eye.
- Spread (metastasis) of the cancer to other parts of the body, most commonly the liver.
- Infection or inflammation.
- Need for additional surgeries or treatments.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial rest is required; avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and bending over for the period specified by your doctor (often 1-2 weeks).
- Use prescribed eye drops (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory) meticulously to prevent infection and control swelling.
- Wear an eye shield or protective glasses, especially while sleeping, to prevent accidental rubbing or injury.
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for monitoring healing, eye pressure, and checking for recurrence.
- Report any sudden increase in pain, vision loss, or new flashes/floaters to your doctor immediately.
- Long-term monitoring with liver scans and other tests is essential due to the risk of metastasis, even years after successful eye treatment.
-
Typical hospital stay: 0-2 days
-
Expected recovery time: 2-6 weeks for initial healing; long-term monitoring is lifelong
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering eye melanoma in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for eye melanoma in India include Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Manipal Hospital Goa , known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform eye melanoma. MediFyr helps you compare ophthalmologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for eye melanoma compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 800 Thousand | 0-2 days | ~ 2-6 weeks for initial healing; long-term monitoring is lifelong | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 2.8 Million | 0-2 days | ~ 2-6 weeks for initial healing; long-term monitoring is lifelong | Know More |
Top hospitals for Eye Melanoma in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated ophthalmology teams and experience managing patients undergoing eye melanoma.
Diya Reddy, a 42-year-old architect and...
Diya Reddy, a 42-year-old architect and mother of two, first noticed a persistent dark spot in her peripheral vision while working on detailed blueprints. Initially dismissing it as eye strain, she grew concerned when it didn't fade. A routine eye exam with her optometrist revealed a suspicious pigmented lesion on her choroid. Referred to an ophthalmologist specializing in ocular oncology, a confirmed diagnosis of a small choroidal melanoma left her terrified for her vision and future. The ophthalmologist recommended plaque brachytherapy, a targeted radiation treatment to preserve the eye. Diya underwent surgery to have a radioactive plaque sewn onto the sclera over the tumor, which remained for five days. The procedure was physically uncomfortable but manageable. Recovery involved several weeks of blurred vision and sensitivity. Six months later, follow-up scans showed the tumor had significantly regressed, and her vision stabilized, though with a permanent small blind spot. Emotionally, Diya journeyed from sheer panic and sleepless nights, fearing blindness and her children's future, to profound relief and a redefined gratitude for her sight and health. She now advocates for regular eye exams.
Ophthalmologists for Eye Melanoma
Explore experienced ophthalmologists who regularly perform eye melanoma and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 21 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 27 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 28 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 23 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
- 15 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata
- 9 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore
- 17 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Ranchi, Ranchi
- 16 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune
- 13 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 10 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist
Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore
- 11 Years Experience
- Ophthalmologist