Eye cancer warning signs, symptoms and prevention tips every adult and parent should know about

Eye cancer often goes unnoticed until it progresses. Learn the early signs, symptoms, and why regular eye check-ups are vital to protect your vision. (Image: Pexels)

Protecting your vision is about awareness and action. Spotting the tiny, silent signs of eye cancer early could make all the difference between a simple treatment and life-altering consequences.

"Clear vision is a God’s gift and should be valued!" says Dr Neha Vasta, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru. “While most of us take our eyesight for granted, there’s a small but real risk of eye cancer, with uveal melanoma being the most common in adults and retinoblastoma in children” Dr Vasta tells Moneycontrol adding, “It’s rare, yes, but the problem is that eye cancers can often go unnoticed until they progress.”

Unlike some illnesses that come with strong warning signs like pain or discomfort, eye cancer occurs with signs that can be painless, subtle, or at times completely absent. This makes routine dilated eye examinations crucial, especially for adults over 40 and children with family history. “Even minor changes in vision should never be ignored,” she adds. Many people assume that any sudden vision blip is temporary or due to fatigue. Dr Vasta stresses, “Your eyesight is precious and regular check-ups are the best defence.”

Also Read: Childhood eye cancer: Oncologist reveals signs beyond lazy eye parents should watch for

Dr Vasta shares common warning signs you shouldn’t ignore: Even if these symptoms don’t automatically mean cancer, they are red flags that deserve professional attention:

• Visual changes: Blurred vision, sudden loss of vision, or reduced peripheral vision.
• Floaters and flashes: Specks, threads, or web-like shapes moving with your eyes.
• Spots on the iris, conjunctiva, or sclera: Rapid growth of pigmented areas in the eye.
• Changes in the pupil: Altered size or shape of the pupil.
• Bulging eyes (proptosis): Eyes appearing pushed forward.
• Pain: Unexplained discomfort or pressure in or around the eye.
• Squint: Deviation of one or both eyes.
• Leukocoria (white pupillary reflex): A white shine in the pupil, particularly in children.

Also Read: Over 50? Ophthalmologist shares 6 lifestyle changes to protect your eyes and prevent vision loss

Regular dilated eye exams allow ophthalmologists to detect subtle changes that the naked eye might miss. Early detection not only improves treatment options but can literally save your sight. “Think of it as a health check for your windows to the world,” says Dr Vasta.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.