Eye cancers are growths that develop in the eye or its surrounding structures. Eye cancer can affect any part of the eye, inside or out, and requires an experienced team of specialists, like those at the UK Markey Cancer Center.
Markey is Kentucky’s National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. This honor is reserved for a select few world-class cancer centers, meaning you can access the very latest eye cancer treatments and research.
Why choose Markey for eye cancer treatment?
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Eye cancer expertise: Markey has Kentucky’s first and only team of eye cancer specialists. You will benefit from in-depth knowledge and expertise that exclusively comes from specialists who diagnose and treat your specific type of eye cancer.
- Coordinated care: Eye cancer treatment can be complex and involve a combination of therapies. Our eye cancer specialists coordinate your care together, working as a team to ensure you get comprehensive treatment tailored to your unique needs.
- Timely treatment: We make sure you get the tests you need for a diagnosis on your first visit. Our coordinator will guide you through every step, minimizing delays and maximizing your chances of a positive outcome.
- An entire eye cancer team: Depending on your cancer type, your team may include an eye cancer ophthalmologist or oculoplastic surgeon, along with radiation oncologists, radiation physicists and medical oncologists. They all work together to ensure you get the treatment you need.
- Local treatment: Markey’s eye cancer specialists offer care in local communities throughout Kentucky. This convenience makes it easier for you to get treatment and consistent follow-up care without traveling long distances.
Types of eye cancer we treat
The types of eye cancer we treat include:
- Intraocular cancer: This cancer develops inside the eyeball and can include any layer of the eye. It can harm vision and spread outside the eye. The most common form in adults is uveal melanoma that starts in the middle layer of the eye.
- Ocular surface tumors: These cancers affect the surface of the eyeball (the conjunctiva or cornea). The most common forms are ocular surface squamous neoplasia and conjunctival melanoma.
- Eyelid cancer: This skin cancer affects the eyelids. The most common eyelid cancer is basal cell carcinoma. Other eyelid skin cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
- Orbital cancer: This cancer impacts the structures surrounding the eye.
- Metastatic cancer: This cancer starts in another part of the body and spreads to any part of the eye.
Eyelid cancer:
Eyelid cancer symptoms may include:
- Discoloration of the skin
- Unusual lesions or changes to the eyelid
- Swelling
- A lump or bump on the eyelid
Intraocular cancer:
Many people don’t experience symptoms. If they do, symptoms may include:
- Reduced vision at a distance
- Flashes
Ocular surface cancer:
The main symptom is a growth over the white of the eye. The growth can be colored or clear.
According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for all stages of ocular melanoma or intraocular melanoma is 81 percent.
Researchers don’t know how to prevent intraocular cancer, but yearly eye exams can help catch it early, when it’s easier to treat.
Unlike melanoma skin cancer, uveal melanoma isn’t related to sun exposure.
You can reduce your risk for eyelid and ocular surface cancers by limiting your sun exposure and:
- Using sunblock
- Wearing a hat
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses
Risk factors for eye cancer include:
- Age: Intraocular melanoma is more common after age 60.
- Family history: Some eye cancers may run in families, but this is rare.
- Other cancers: Breast cancer, prostate cancer and other cancers can spread to the eye at any age.
- Smoking: Smoking increases your risk of developing eyelid cancer.
- Your first visit will be at one of these locations:
- UK Advanced Eye Care on the fourth and fifth floors of Shriners Children’s Lexington, on the UK HealthCare main campus
- UK Advanced Eye Care – Baptist Health Lexington
- UK Advanced Eyecare – Richmond
- Eyecare Network – Maysville
- Kentucky Eye Institute – Corbin
- Huffman & Huffman Ophthalmology – Somerset
- Please remember to bring your patient packet with the completed forms. These items will help your doctor learn more about you and determine the best plan for your care.
- We accept many forms of insurance.
