The eyes are one of the most delicate and complex organs in the human body. While vision-related issues such as refractive errors or cataracts are common, there are also other more serious conditions, such as tumors, that can affect the eyes. Tumors in and around the eyes can be benign or malignant, and their early detection and proper treatment are critical to preserving vision and overall eye health.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any concerning symptoms, it’s essential to seek help from an experienced Oculoplasty Surgeon such as Dr. Saurbhi Khurana.

Types of Eye Tumors

Eye tumors can be classified into two main categories:

Primary Eye Tumors: These are tumors that originate in the eye or surrounding structures. They may affect the eye’s interior or the external tissues around the eye.

• Ocular Melanoma: The most common type of eye cancer, ocular melanoma occurs in the uvea (the middle layer of the eye), typically in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid.
• Retinoblastoma: This type of eye tumor primarily affects children and originates in the retina. It can develop in one or both eyes.
• Orbital Tumors: These tumors form in the tissues surrounding the eye, including the eyelids, the optic nerve, or the muscles that control eye movement.

Metastatic Tumors: These are secondary tumors that spread to the eye from other parts of the body. Breast cancer and lung cancer are the most common sources of metastatic tumors in the eyes.

Causes of Eye Tumors

The exact cause of most eye tumors remains unknown. However, several risk factors are believed to increase the likelihood of developing eye tumors, including:

• Genetic Factors: In some cases, genetic mutations or inherited conditions like retinoblastoma can predispose individuals to eye tumors.
• Exposure to Ultraviolet (UV) Light: Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can increase the risk of developing ocular melanoma.
• Age and Gender: Certain types of eye tumors, such as ocular melanoma, are more common in older adults, while retinoblastoma is more prevalent in young children.
• Family History: A family history of certain cancers or eye conditions can increase the risk of developing eye tumors.

Symptoms of Eye Tumors

The symptoms of eye tumors can vary depending on the tumor's size, location, and type. In the early stages, many eye tumors do not show noticeable symptoms, making regular eye check-ups essential for early detection.

Common symptoms of eye tumors include:

• Vision Changes: Blurry vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or difficulty seeing in one area of the eye may indicate the presence of a tumor.
• Eye Pain or Discomfort: Tumors can cause persistent pain or discomfort in the eye area.
• Visible Growth: A tumor may cause a noticeable lump or swelling in or around the eye, particularly in orbital tumors.
• Redness and Inflammation: Inflammation or redness in the eye or eyelid could be a sign of a growing tumor.
• Abnormal Eye Movements: If the tumor is located in or around the muscles that control eye movement, it may cause the eyes to move uncontrollably or be misaligned.
• Eye Protrusion: In some cases, the tumor may cause the eye to bulge out, a condition known as proptosis.

If any of these symptoms are noticed, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

Treatment of Eye Tumors

Treatment options for eye tumors depend on the type, location, and size of the tumor, as well as whether it is benign or malignant. The primary goal of treatment is to remove or shrink the tumor while preserving vision and eye health.

• Surgery: Surgery is often the preferred treatment for removing tumors from the eye or surrounding tissues. An Oculoplasty Surgeon like Dr. Saurbhi Khurana specializes in reconstructive surgery around the eye, ensuring minimal damage to the eye and surrounding structures during tumor removal.
• Radiation Therapy: For certain types of tumors, radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor or prevent its growth. This is often used when the tumor cannot be completely removed by surgery or when the tumor is in a difficult-to-reach area.
• Laser Therapy: In cases of small tumors, laser therapy may be used to target and destroy the tumor cells.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used, particularly for retinoblastoma or metastatic eye tumors, to treat cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Enucleation: In severe cases where the tumor is large or has caused significant damage to the eye, enucleation (removal of the eye) may be recommended to prevent the spread of cancer. This procedure is followed by the fitting of an ocular prosthesis.
• Observation: Some benign tumors that do not cause symptoms or vision problems may only require regular monitoring by an ophthalmologist or Oculoplasty Surgeon.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

If you suspect you have an eye tumor or are experiencing any unusual eye symptoms, don't wait. Contact Dr. Saurbhi Khurana today for a comprehensive eye examination and expert treatment options tailored to your needs.

For more information or to book a consultation, reach out to Dr. Saurbhi Khurana’s office. Early detection and treatment are key to preserving your vision and eye health. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—take action now!