Unseen enemy: Eye cancer symptoms you might be missing and why early detection is vital

Eye cancer symptoms can manifest differently and may not be instantly noticeable. One early indication might be a bulging eye.

Another symptom, which should naturally evoke caution, includes total or partial vision loss, occasionally accompanied by pain in the eye or around it, although the latter is infrequently observed.

A pale, protruding lump on the eye's surface, particularly on the conjunctiva or cornea, might also be significant. Symptoms can also include blurred vision, changes in the eye's appearance, a lump on the eyelids or around the eye, and seeing spots, flashes of light, or wavy lines.

Other signs indicative of a growing tumor include losing peripheral vision – the ability to see on the sides, while maintaining the ability to see directly in front.

Patients might also observe a growing dark spot on their iris. Symptoms like eye irritation, redness, or chronic conjunctivitis might also be signs of eye cancer.

Diagnostics

If patients observe any of the symptoms above, they must immediately consult a family doctor or optometrist. The Cancer Research UK (CRUK) recommends carefully monitoring and tracking all symptoms, including when they manifest and their frequency.

Further, it's crucial to consider factors that can influence the intensity of symptoms, both in terms of their aggravation and relief. This information can be a useful diagnostic aid, enabling the doctor to accurately determine the potential causes of the ailment.

Primary detection of these symptoms and prompt consultation with an ophthalmologist is vital for effective eye cancer treatment.