Tumors of the eye can be benign, meaning non-cancerous, or malignant. Malignant, or cancerous, tumors have the potential to travel to the eye from other parts of the body.
According to Dr. David H. Abramson, recipient of the 2004 Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology, benign ocular tumors are common in the eyelid, the membrane over the white of the eye, the iris, and the layer of blood vessels between the white of the eye and the retina. This layer, known as the choroid, is also the area most often affected by malignancy.
Decreased Vision
Abramson states that decreased vision is the first sign of cancer typically noted by men with cancer that has traveled to the eye, or metastasized, from other parts of the body. Women with ocular metastasis most often have already been made aware of the presence of cancer via symptoms affecting the other areas of the body, most often the breast.
Decreased peripheral vision is the most common symptom of malignant eye tumors, followed by a decrease in general vision.
Dark Spotted Iris
The American Cancer Society notes that the presence of a dark spot on the colored part of the eye, known as the iris, can alert doctors of the possibility of eye cancer. Melanomas are tumors of the eye that arise in the pigmented cells of the iris. Individuals who notice a dark spot in the iris that appears to be growing larger should have the eyes evaluated by a physician.
Eye Pain
Pain in the eye can be a symptom of an eye tumor. The National Cancer Institute states that retinoblastoma, a cancer affecting the nerve tissue located in the back of the eye, can cause pain, as well as redness. All About Vision notes that the sensation that a foreign body is trapped in the eye can sometimes be a symptom of an eye tumor.
Narrow Angle Glaucoma
Narrow angle glaucoma is a condition wherein the iris bulges outward. This condition blocks the outflow of fluids from the eye and leads to an increase in pressure within the eye. An increase in intraocular pressure can cause headaches, dilated pupils, pain, nausea and vomiting. All About Vision explains that a tumor located behind the iris can push it forward and lead to narrow angle glaucoma.
