The presence of moles on the skin may be normal. However, did you know that moles on the eyeballs can also appear? This condition can certainly make the sufferer worried.
Therefore, know more about the presence of moles on the eyeball and its various types.
Table of Content
1. Mole on the eyeball, is it dangerous?
2. Can moles on the eyeball cause symptoms?
3. Treatment of moles in the eye
Mole on the eyeball, is it dangerous?
A mole in the eye is known as a nevus in the medical world. Although there is no need to worry, this condition should be checked by a doctor because there is a small chance that a mole inside the eye can turn into melanoma cancer.
Here are the types of moles on the eyeballs along with their characteristics.
1. Conjunctival nevus
Conjunctival nevus is a pigmented lesion that can appear on the white part of the eye, aka the conjunctiva. This type of mole on the eyeball usually appears in childhood.
2. Nevus iris
Iris nevus is a type of mole in the eye that appears on the black part of the eye. Reporting from Healthline, about 6 out of 10 people have it.
A study published in the ARVO Journal states excessive sun exposure can invite the appearance of a new iris nevus in the eye. However, further research needs to be done to prove it.
3. Nevus choroid
A choroidal nevus is a benign (noncancerous) flat pigmented lesion located at the back of the eye. This condition occurs when pigmented cells accumulate. According to The Ocular Melanoma Foundation, about 1 in 10 people have this type of mole.
Although this type of mole on the eyeball is classified as benign, there is a small chance that a choroidal nevus can turn into cancer. This is the reason why any type of mole on the eyeball should be examined by a doctor.
Please note, a person can have a mole on the eyeball from birth. However, there are also cases of moles in the eyes that only appear when the sufferer is an adult.
Not always black, nevus in the eye can also be yellow, brown, gray, or a combination of various colors. This is because a nevus is made of melanocyte cells which are responsible for giving color to your skin and eyes.
Melanocyte cells can generally spread. However, if they accumulate in one place only, then nevus or moles can appear.
If you don’t know what type of mole is on the eyeball, see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Can moles on the eyeball cause symptoms?
Symptoms of moles on the eyeball generally depend on the type. For example, conjunctival nevus tends to be asymptomatic. However, they can change color, especially during puberty and pregnancy.
In addition, iris nevus can be detected through an eye examination because it is difficult for you to see this type of mole on the eyeball if your irises are dark in color. Iris nevus is more common in people with blue eyes.
Next comes a choroidal nevus, which usually has no symptoms, but can sometimes cause abnormal blood vessel growth and discharge from the eye.
In rare cases, these symptoms of a choroidal nevus can lead to blindness. This is the reason why a choroidal nevus needs to be examined by a doctor.
Treatment of moles in the eye
Most cases of moles on the eyes do not need treatment. If you have it, have regular eye exams at least every 6 months or once a year. This is done so that the doctor knows the size, shape, and any changes that occur.
If a mole in the eye causes complications or has the possibility to become melanoma cancer, the doctor can remove it with a surgical procedure.
There are two surgical procedures for removing the nevus, namely local excision using a small knife or laser technique.