Risk Factors, Assessment, and Diagnosis

Risk Factors

Individuals with risk factors for uveal melanoma may have an increased likelihood of developing the disease.

Risk factors include:

• White race
• Exposure to ultraviolet light
• Older age
• Blue or green eyes
• Inherited skin conditions
• Existing nevus in the eye

Assessment and Diagnosis

Uveal melanoma is primarily discovered during a routine eye exam. Occasionally, symptoms such as floaters, flashes, or changes in vision may prompt the eye exam. Ancillary imaging and ultrasound are then used to determine the size and characteristics of the tumor.
Other imaging tests may include:
• Fluorescein angiography
• Fundus autofluorescence
• Optical coherence tomography