Eye cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the eye. There are different types of eye cancer, including ocular melanoma, retinoblastoma, and lymphoma.

Eye cancer is a rare type of cancer, but it can lead to vision loss and sometimes even death. Understanding the early warning signs and the risk factors of eye cancer can help you catch the disease early and get the treatment you need.

Early Warning Signs of Eye Cancer

Eye cancer can develop in any part of the eye, including the eyelids, eye sockets, and the eyeball itself. Here are some early warning signs of eye cancer that you should look out for:.

Blurred vision

Blurred vision is one of the most common symptoms of eye cancer. If you notice that your vision is becoming blurry, especially in one eye, you should see an eye doctor right away.

Blurred vision can be a sign of a lot of different eye conditions, but it’s important to get checked out to rule out the possibility of eye cancer.

Eyelid changes

If you notice any changes to your eyelids, such as a bump, swelling, or discoloration, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. While these can be signs of other conditions, they can also indicate eye cancer.

Bulging eye

If your eye starts to bulge or protrude, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. This can be a sign of a tumor behind the eye, which can be cancerous.

Persistent redness

If you have redness in your eye that won’t go away, it’s important to get it checked out by a doctor. Persistent redness can be a sign of a lot of different eye conditions, including eye cancer.

Eye pain

If you have pain in your eye that won’t go away, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. Pain in the eye can be a sign of a lot of different eye conditions, but it can also indicate eye cancer.

Floaters and flashes

Floaters and flashes are common eye symptoms that can be caused by a lot of different things, including eye cancer.

If you notice an increase in the number of floaters or flashes you’re experiencing, or if you start to see new ones, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away.

Risk Factors for Eye Cancer

There are several risk factors for eye cancer. Some of these risk factors are out of your control, while others are things you can modify or change. Here are some of the most common risk factors for eye cancer:.

Age

The risk of eye cancer increases with age. Most people who are diagnosed with eye cancer are over the age of 50.

Eye color

People with light-colored eyes, such as blue, green, or gray, are at a greater risk of developing eye cancer than people with dark-colored eyes, such as brown or black.

Fair skin

People with fair skin are at a greater risk of developing eye cancer than people with dark skin.

Exposure to sunlight

Exposure to sunlight, especially intense sunlight, can increase the risk of eye cancer. Wearing sunglasses and a hat when you’re outside can help reduce your risk.

Family history

If someone in your family has been diagnosed with eye cancer, you may be at a greater risk of developing the disease.

Immune system problems

People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at a greater risk of developing eye cancer.

Eye injury

If you’ve had an injury to your eye in the past, especially if you’ve had a penetrating injury, you may be at a greater risk of developing eye cancer.