Eye Cancer within the UK

Eye cancer diagnoses in the UK are very rare, according to Cancer Research UK around 851 cases are diagnosed each year. There are two main categories of which eye cancer can be identified. Those which affect the inside of the eye, known as intraocular eye cancer, and those which affect the outside of the eye, known as extraocular.

Identify the early signs of eye cancer with your local optician

Symptoms and signs of possible eye cancer

Some symptoms of eye cancer may not always be so obvious and are similar to symptoms of other eye conditions, so it is very important to have regular eye examinations with your eye health care provider to spot early signs of any abnormalities within the eye. Some symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing spots or flashes of light
  • Bulging of one eye
  • Change in the appearance of your eye
  • Partial or complete sight loss

 

 

Different types of Ocular Cancer
Different types of Ocular Cancer

Different types of Ocular Cancer

There are various types of ocular cancer, of which some are rarer than others.

Cancers of the eyeball include:

  • Melanoma of the eye
  • Lymphoma of the eye
  • Retinoblastoma
  • Medulloepithelioma
  • Squamous cell cancer of the eye

Cancers around the eyeball:

  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell skin cancer
  • Lacrimal gland cancer
  • Rhabdomyosarcoma
Diagnosis of Eye Cancer
Diagnosis of Eye Cancer

Diagnosis of Eye Cancer

To receive a diagnosis or a referral to a specialist, you could see either your GP or an Optician. If you have noticed sudden changes to your sight and are experiencing any of the possible signs or symptoms of eye cancer, it is really important to discuss this with either your GP or your eye health care provider. They will carry out tests for eye cancer.

When visiting a specialist Ophthalmologist, an eye examination will be carried out, using a variety of optical instruments, in order to look at the structure of your eye and to identify any abnormalities.

If you are concerned and have noticed changes to your eye, book an appointment with your local optician as soon as possible. A quick eye examination can help to identify the cause of your concern and get you the treatment you need. Our easy-to-use optician finder, will make the process of finding your local Essilor partnered optician simple and easy.

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