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Ocular Oncology

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Ocular oncology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of tumors affecting the eye, eyelid, orbit, and tear (lacrimal) glands. These tumors can affect both adults and children and may involve one eye or both eyes.

While primary eye cancers are rare, they can develop inside the eye, on its surface, in surrounding skin, or in tear-producing glands. Secondary eye cancers are more common and occur when tumors from other parts of the body spread to the eye.


At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, our multidisciplinary ocular oncology team combines expertise in ophthalmology, dermatology, radiation oncology, pathology, and specialized ocular care. Our shared mission is to provide personalized treatment plans that preserve vision, manage tumors effectively, and optimize quality of life.

Conditions and Treatments

Benign Eye Diseases

  • Non-cancerous tumors of the eye, eyelid, or orbit.
  • Treatment may involve observation, surgical removal, or laser therapy depending on size and location.
Choroidal Melanoma
  • The most common primary eye cancer in adults, originating in the vascular layer of the eye.
  • Treatment includes radiation plaque therapy (brachytherapy) or surgical removal.
Corneal and Conjunctival Tumors
  • Tumors affecting the outer surface of the eye, which can be benign or malignant.
  • Management may involve surgical excision or specialized topical therapies.
Intraocular Tumors
  • Tumors located inside the eye, potentially affecting vision and eye structure.
  • Treatment options include laser therapy, radiation, or surgical removal.
Orbital and Adnexal Tumors
  • Tumors in the eye socket (orbit) or surrounding tissues, such as eyelids and lacrimal glands.
  • Surgical resection and reconstruction are often performed to preserve function and appearance.
Radiation Plaque Therapy – Brachytherapy
  • A targeted radiation therapy where a small radioactive plaque is placed on the eye to treat tumors.
  • Minimizes damage to surrounding healthy tissue while effectively treating the tumor.
Enucleation
  • Surgical removal of the eye, typically reserved for large or aggressive tumors that cannot be treated by other means.
  • Prosthetic eyes may be used post-surgery to restore appearance.
Retinoblastoma
  • A rare pediatric eye cancer that affects infants and young children.
  • Treatments include chemotherapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, radiation, and surgical options.

FAQ

What is ocular oncology?
Ocular oncology specializes in eye cancers, like melanoma or retinoblastoma, treating tumors that affect vision or eye health. These are rare but serious—early detection via routine exams can save sight and life, as some spread if untreated.
Symptoms vary: a dark spot on the iris, vision blurring, flashes of light, or painless bulging. Many are asymptomatic early on, found during dilated exams. Risk factors include fair skin for uveal melanoma or family history for retinoblastoma in kids.
Diagnosis uses ultrasound, OCT imaging, or biopsy for confirmation. Genetic testing helps for hereditary types. It’s non-invasive where possible, with staging to check spread—most are localized and treatable.
Options include radiation (plaque brachytherapy), laser therapy, cryotherapy (freezing), or enucleation (eye removal) for advanced cases. Targeted drugs like tebentafusp for melanoma are emerging. Goal: preserve vision while eradicating cancer.
Prognosis is good for early detection—over 90% survival for localized melanoma with vision retention in many. Follow-up monitors recurrence. Support includes low-vision rehab and counseling for emotional impact.

Our Doctors

Jason Goldsmith, M.D.
Glaucoma

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