Plaque Brachytherapy Can Now Help More Patients Facing Enucleation

Eye-sparing plaque brachytherapy can now help more patients with uveal melanoma versus enucleation.

The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) reports that more patients with uveal melanoma will be able to spare their eye by widening the criteria for plaque brachytherapy.

It had been 10 years since guidelines for the treatment of uveal melanoma were published — but now, updated ABS consensus guidelines have been newly established by the ABS-Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force. Using clinical experience with eye cancer and knowledge of the literature, 47 radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and ophthalmic oncologists from 10 countries were able to produce these collaborative guidelines.

To view these published guidelines via PubMed, click here. For your convenience, we have here a summary of the updates ABS guidelines for plaque brachytherapy treatment:

  • Tumor classifications were updated to reflect the AJCC T-staging system.
  • Utilizing this system, T1, T2, T3, and T4a-d uveal melanoma patients can be treated, after counseling about likely vision, eye retention, and local control outcomes.
  • Small melanomas can be treated at the eye cancer specialist’s discretion (not only for evidence of growth)
  • Uveal melanomas near, touching (juxtapapillary) and surrounding (circumpapillary) the optic nerve can be treated with radiation therapy; however patients with tumors in this location as well as subfoveal tumors and those with exudative retinal detachments may have poorer vision outcomes and local control.
  • Extrascleral tumor extension does not exclude patients from plaque brachytherapy, unless they are classified as T4e (extraocular exrtension is >5mm in diameter).
  • Clinical diagnosis of uveal melanoma is still considered adequate for treatment (no change from 2003 guidelines). Histopathologic verification is not required.

The ABS recommends, additionally, that plaque procedures be performed in specialized centers with expertise in ophthalmic brachytherapy. Their report discusses guidelines for plaque and radionuclide selection (including dose prescription), and follow-up after brachytherapy.

Previously, some patients may have felt like enucleation was their only possible treatment, and undergoing a surgery to remove the eye is no easy decision. These new ABS guidelines will help to expand the number of patients eligible for plaque brachytherapy and reduce the number of patients requiring enucleation. With these results, some patients who fit these new criteria have been shown another avenue for hope. And for one’s journey through eye cancer treatment, hope is exceptionally valuable.

Come back next week at eyecancer.com for more information regarding enucleation vs. plaque brachytherapy!

A New Support Group for Eye Cancer Patients is Available!

Stress and anxiety following treatment for choroidal melanoma have been well recognized among patients and studied among doctors. In fact, The NIH-funded Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study reported on 209 patients with medium-sized melanoma treated with either brachytherapy or enucleation. In this sub-study, their goal was to compare the quality of life between treatment groups using questionnaires.

After questioning patients, researchers found that those undergoing radiation therapy had better quality of life outcomes related to their vision, such as driving, near activities, and binocular vision. After three to five years post-treatment, this benefit did decline, paralleling a decline in vision for the brachytherapy-treatment group (this, of course, predates the advent of vision-sparing anti-VEGF therapy).

However, in the scientific article published for the study, researchers state that “certain patients treated with brachytherapy, particularly those with pre-existing symptoms of anxiety, may suffer from increased risk of anxiety as compared with patients treated with enucleation during follow-up (Archives of Ophthalmology).”

At The New York Eye Cancer Center, we are currently participating in a study evaluating patient reported outcomes after plaque brachytherapy for choroidal melanoma. The more we understand a patient’s reception of plaque brachytherapy and the effect their treatment has had on their lives, the more we can specialize our care for each individual. We strive to offer compassion and understand what our patients are going through on a personal and psychological level. In an effort to help patients deal with their stress and anxiety, The New York Eye Cancer Center has begun to host a support group specifically for eye cancer patients and survivors. Please join Karen Campbell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), who will facilitate this group. Sponsored by The Eye Cancer Foundation, this group therapy session will be held on Friday, October 13, 2017 at 1:30 pm at The New York Eye Cancer Center. Join us to have your voice heard among peers who understand what you are going through!

For your convenience, please consider downloading this flyer for the Support Group that contains all necessary information. We will host more sessions in the future, so in order to stay tuned for announcements on upcoming dates, please check back on eyecancer.com regularly!

 

Chemotherapeutic Eye Drops 101

If you’ve been recently diagnosed with an eye cancer, such as ocular surface squamous neoplasia or conjunctival melanoma, it’s normal to feel a little nervous – but, there’s good news. It is possible to treat some of these cancers with topical chemotherapy eye drops, like interferon alpha (also called Intron A), instead of surgery. Interferon is commonly used in injection form; however, in 2008 Dr. Finger and his team discovered that interferon in topical eye drop form is very effective at treating tumors on the eye.  It also has the additional benefit of causing fewer side effects in the body!

The following video demonstrates the proper technique for chemotherapeutic eye drop instillation.  These instructions will be the same regardless of the type of chemotherapy eye drop you are using (e.g. Intron A, Mitomycin C, 5-FU).  It’s fine to ask a family member or friend for help, but most people find that they are able to put drops in themselves without a problem.

The New York Eye Cancer Center Instructions for Chemotherapy Eye Drops from Paul T Finger on Vimeo.

The steps are written out below, for your convenience:

  • STEP 1:  Wash your hands and put on latex gloves, if possible. 
  • STEP 2: Lie down flat or recline back in a chair.   
  • STEP 3: Look DOWN and pull back the UPPER EYELID. 
  • STEP 4: Put the drop on the TOP part of the eye.   
  • STEP 5: Slowly close your eye and keep it closed for FIVE MINUTES.   
  • STEP 6: Make sure to gently wipe away any excess. 
  • STEP 7: Wash your hands again. 

Note that it’s easier to instill these drops when you are lying down.  Also, remember to keep these drops refrigerated and to wipe any excess that you may blink out to prevent irritation of the skin.  Most patients tolerate these drops very well, but if you have any concerns or comments, please make sure to speak with your doctor.

Stay tuned for more educational videos by keeping eyecancer.com in your bookmarks!

Apples or Oranges

“Sharing a common scientific language (staging systems) allow us to communicate our ideas and enable progress” writes Dr. Paul T. Finger in Foundational Elements for Collaboration in Ophthalmic Oncology; a recent editorial published for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Communication is vital in nearly all areas of life, and the medical field makes no exception. In order for doctors to compare their results, they must describe the stage (size and distribution) of the cancer they are treating. This is the only way oncologists can effectively discuss and coordinate the care for patients around the world. And towards this goal, Dr. Finger as Chair of the Ophthalmic Oncology Task Force for The American Joint Committee on Cancer has worked over 12 years to create, write, and publish three editions of The AJCC Cancer Staging Manual and most recently its sister equivalent for the UICC.

AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th Edition

As Dr. Finger explains, the AJCC staging system was made from the collective effort of 10 subcommittees, composed of more than 50 eye cancer specialists across the world. These doctors came together to develop a clinically useful textbook describing, with rigorous detail, the methodology of classifying eye cancers. In fact, working together, these systems represent the greatest consensus work yet created by the eye cancer specialty.

You may have heard of a tumor classified as “stage 2” or “stage 4”, benign or malignant, and so on, but how do doctors come to this conclusion? Staging a tumor relies on rules on how to measure and locate tumors in the eye and/or thought the body. By gathering a large profile of data from tumor patients, the AJCC team has also analyzed how tumor size or failure of initial treatment can be used to predict the risk for metastasis.

With this common staging system shared between doctors from The United States to Indonesia, patient care is streamlined and made more effective. The AJCC’s wide pool of data allows for a more precise system, which is tremendously useful for eye cancer specialists otherwise unable to access international resources. This is the immediate effect of doctors adopting this system, but the long term effects are equally as influential.

And to stay updated on all Eye Cancer Foundation news, as well as information on the latest eye cancer research, please keep eyecancer.com in your bookmarks!

Iris Biopsy 101: The Finger Iridectomy Technique

 

In order to examine the existence and extent of an iris tumor, a biopsy may be required — but what is a biopsy, exactly? For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, a biopsy is a sampling of tissue taken from a certain area of the body in order for doctors to closely evaluate a patient’s pathology. Every biopsy is different. However, they can sometimes be invasive and cause discomfort. For a patient undergoing a biopsy in an area as delicate as the eye, this may feel intimidating.

This important factor has contributed to Dr. Finger’s development of the Finger Iridectomy Technique (F.I.T), a minimally invasive but very effective method of biopsy. This technique allows for a large amount of tissues and cells to be biopsied, optimizing sample size while minimizing discomfort for patients.

In this video, Dr. Krystine Olszewski from the New York Eye Cancer Center provides an approachable checklist on what to do before and after an iris biopsy. She discusses the required medication to be taken, as well as what is to be expected in the follow up exam.

Iris Biopsy; Finger Iridectomy Technique from Paul T Finger on Vimeo.

To stay tuned for upcoming videos as well as be informed on all the latest updates in eye cancer research, keep Eyecancer.com, the website for the New York Eye Cancer Center, in your bookmarks!

Get to Know: Dr. Paul T. Finger

The New York Eye Cancer Center is dedicated to combining both science and technology with a human touch, offering a holistic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of eye cancer. The Founding Director, Dr. Paul T. Finger, aims to extend his streamlined medical approach to others with the focus of not only helping doctors work together, but also providing easy-to-understand information. This is very important for patients who feel overwhelmed by the scope of medical terminology and technology. Every day, swift strides are being made towards a brighter future for eye cancer patients all around the world.

Here at The NYECC, a series of videos have been made and published, ranging from lectures for training specialists, to videos for patients on what to expect throughout the stages of their care.

In this video, Dr. Finger timelines his 30+ year medical career. He discusses his pioneering of the Palladium-103 plaque procedure for intraocular tumors, imaging methods for many eye cancers and anti-VEGF therapy now used world-wide to suppress radiation complications, plus more.

 

Meet Dr. Paul T. Finger, Director of The New York Eye Cancer Center from Paul T Finger on Vimeo.

Dr. Paul Finger Named One of America’s Best Doctors in 2017

Dr. Paul Finger has been named one of America’s top doctors in 2017.

Castle Connolly’s top doctors are nominated by their peers through an extensive survey process of thousands of American physicians. Each year, Castle Connolly receives nearly 100,000 nominations through this process. The organization’s research team screens medical education, training, board certifications, hospital appointments, disciplinary histories, and other information to determine the best doctors in America.

This marks the 10th straight year Dr. Finger has received this honor.

“After this careful review of credentials, nominated physicians may be chosen to be listed as a regionally outstanding or a nationally outstanding Castle Connolly Top Doctor. Castle Connolly Top Doctors are highly sought after physician leaders in their communities and metropolitan areas. National Top Doctors are the top referred specialists that attract patients from wide geographical areas and across the country.”

Dr. Finger was also named among Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors for Cancer in 2017. He has earned inclusion in this list every year since its inception in 2006.

For the 15th straight year, Dr. Finger was named a Top Doctor in the New York metro area.

Inclusion among America’s top doctors reflects Dr. Finger’s commitment to his patients, and his passion for developing new and innovative eye cancer treatments.

Mother’s Persistence Leads to Retinoblastoma Diagnosis

When it comes to your children’s health, trust your instincts!

The persistence of an Oklahoma mother likely saved her daughter’s life.

When Kourtney Norton noticed her daughter McKinley was walking sideways, she knew something wasn’t right. So, Kourtney took McKinley to her pediatrician. He mistakenly thought the little girl had an eye infection. When McKinley continued exhibiting strange symptoms, Kourtney took things to the next level.

“I thought, ‘Something is going on,’” she, told KFOR.com. “She’s not really walking with her left side. She’s feeling around.”

Kourtney felt certain something more than an eye infection was causing her daughter’s symptoms. With some persistence, she got her daughter referred to an eye specialist. That led to an Oklahoma cancer center where doctors discovered a large intraocular tumor. It had already caused blindness in McKinley’s left eye and extended into her optic nerve.

Ultimately, Kourtney was diagnosed with retinoblastoma.

Doctor’s had to remove McKinley’s eye. She is now undergoing chemotherapy, but she is likely to survive, thanks to her mom’s persistence.

Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular childhood cancer. Each year it affects approximately 300 children in the United States and 8,000 worldwide. In the USA, it is usually detected early, and the cure rate is high. But in the developing world the diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in the loss of one or both eyes, and even death. There is a hereditary link in about 40% of cases. The risk factors for sporadic retinoblastoma remain largely unknown.

Like the McKinley’s, parents need to be aware of retinoblastoma signs and symptoms. A white spot in the pupil appearing when light shines into the eye is the most common sign. This often shows up in flash photography. Other symptoms include a lazy eye, vision problems, redness in the white part of the eye, bulging eyes, changes in the color of the iris, and unequally reactive pupils.

Early screening is also important to detect cancer in its beginning stages. You should make sure your pediatrician regularly examines your child’s eyes.

Most importantly, be persistent if you think something is wrong. If you aren’t satisfied with what your doctor tells you, get a second opinion. You know your children better than anybody. Trust your instincts and be persistent. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you are interested in helping spread awareness of retinoblastoma symptoms, click here for more information.

The Eye Cancer Foundation Hosts Successful Retinoblastoma Workshop in China

Last fall, The Eye Cancer Foundation hosted a retinoblastoma workshop in Guangzhou, China.

The primary goal was to deliver systematic training in retinoblastoma management based on the general principles of the origin and development of the disease. But the workshop went beyond practical training. It served to build strong relationships among all of the participants.

Eleven faculty members interacted enthusiastically with 19 students. The students included practicing ophthalmologists, oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists. These medical professionals already cared for retinoblastoma patients in their daily work, but they generally lacked the opportunity to discuss the science and rationale behind the treatment with others.

You can watch videos of the workshop sessions here.

The extensive effort the faculty put into their presentations was evident in the discussions, which included topics ranging from core treatment modalities, to fundamental molecular mechanisms in retinoblastoma, to social and life issues facing patients’ families. Eager students engaged in active dialogue, which even extended into breaks. The students left the workshop possessing greater depth of knowledge and new ideas for treating retinoblastoma in China.

The workshop also kicked off a long-term project. Students left with homework: all of the students filled out a table outlining their opinions of care options for a child presenting with IIRC1 Group D eye. This homework is first step in a study of informed consent for retinoblastoma families, and all participants of the workshop will be co-authors.

The Eye Cancer Foundation has a video library of the workshop talks that will be posted on the organization’s website to benefit students worldwide.

The long-term impact of the workshop is still being measured. All participating students filled out pre-workshop and post-workshop assessments to gage their knowledge of retinoblastoma. Once the videos are available in China, and students have an opportunity to review them, we will conduct additional questionnaires.

Comments from the students reveal just how valuable the workshop was.

“..these lectures in Guangzhou touched me deeply.”

“…such a wonderful workshop…very comprehensive training of retinoblastoma, covered overall content of RB from epidemiology, genetic, pathology to clinical treatment. The excellent talks and heated discussion refreshed my knowledge and will help me to improve my clinical treatment of RB.”

“So glad to have this opportunity…We learned much more updated knowledge about RB.”

“I benefited a lot from this training”

“Deeply indebted …for the comprehensive lessons in RB Workshop”

“After the training, I have a deep understanding about retinoblastoma.”

“The most important thing I learn is cooperate. We can’t fight the disease alone.”

“I learned much in this meeting and workshop. Lack of experience in diagnosis and treatment, I did not exchange with experts, but I have the chance to consult some domestic counterparts.”

ick here to watch the workshop videos.

1. Murphree AL. Intraocular retinoblastoma: the case for a new group classification. Ophthalmology clinics of North America. 2005;18:41-53.

 2. Mallipatna AC, Gallie BL, Chevez-Barrios P, Lumbroso-Le Rouic L, Chantada GL, Doz F, Brisse HJ, Munier FL, Albert DM, Catala-Mora J, Desjardins L, Suzuki S, Carroll WL, Coupland SE, Finger PT. Chapter 68: Retinoblastoma Ophthalmic Sites: Part XV  The AJCC Cancer Staging Manual, 8th edition. Editor in Chief, Mahul B. Amin, Ed. Board: Edge, SB, Byrd, DR, Compton, CC, Fritz, AG, Greene, FL, Trotti A.   New York, Springer 2017, pp. 819-831.

The Eye Cancer Foundation Retinoblastoma Workshop

GuangZhou, China November 28- 30, 2016

Purpose

  • Systematic retinoblastoma management training
  • Understand general principles of pathogenesis of retinoblastoma

Duration: 3.5 days

Trainees: 12-15 doctors

Trainers:

Dr. Junyang Zhao, Beijing Children’s Hospital, China;

Dr. Xiaoli Ma, Pediatric Oncology, Beijing Children’s Hospital, China

Dr. Bin Li, Beijing Tongren Hospital, China

Dr. Jing Zhang, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, China

Dr. Brenda Gallie, Director Retinoblastoma Program, SickKids Hospital, Professor University of Toronto, Canada;

Dr. Tero Kivelä, Helsinki University Central Hospital,        University of Helsinki, Faculty of Medicine, Helsinki, Finland;

Professor David Mackey, Perth, Australia;

Professor Sandra E. Staffieri, Centre for Eye Research Australia

Dr. Francis Munier, Head, Ocular-oncology Unit, Jules Gonin Eye Hospital, Professor, Faculté de biologie et de medicine de l’UNIL, Lausanne, Switzerland;

Dr. Bhavna Chawla, Ocular Oncology Service, Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India;

Dr. Vikas Khetan, Ocular Oncology Service, Senkara Nethralaya, Chennai, India;

Dr. Wantanee Dangboon, Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand;

Dr. Pamela Astudillo, Medical Specialist III, Jose B Lingad Memorial Regional Hospital, Consultant, Angeles University Foundation Medical Center, The Philippines;

Ms. Sandra E. Staffieri, PhD Candidate, Clinical and Research Orthoptist,Centre for Eye Research and Retinoblastoma Care Co-ordinator, Department of Ophthalmology, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Schedule

Day 1: Monday, November 28, 2016:

8:20-9:50           Geographic and world perspective

Dr. Junyang Zhao, Dr. Brenda Gallie, Dr. Tero Kivelä

  • (10 min) Workshop strategy and Questionnaires #1/3
  • (30 min) History of global retinoblastoma treatments: enucleation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, focal chemotherapy modalities, etc. (Brenda Gallie)
  • (30 min) World epidemiological trends of retinoblastoma, especially in Asia-Pacific. (Tero Kivelä)
  • (20 min) History of retinoblastoma in China (Junyang Zhao)

9:50-10:10         Tea Break

10:10-11:40       2016 collaborative care and innovations

Drs. Junyang Zhao, Brenda Gallie

  • (20 min) Chinese retinoblastoma collaboration. (Junyang Zhao)
  • (30 min) 1RBW map & meeting, classification/staging. (Brenda Gallie)
  • (40 min) eCancerCareretinoblastoma (eCCrb) for patient care and research. (Brenda Gallie)

11:40-13:20       Lunch

13:20-14:50   Systemic chemotherapy

Drs. Xiaoli Ma, Dr. Bhavna Chawla

  • (30 min) Systemic chemotherapy and management. (Xiaoli Ma)
    • Mechanism of drugs, dosage, side effects.
    • (20 min) Multi-modal therapy for extra-ocular retinoblastoma. (Xiaoli Ma)
      • High-dose chemotherapy and stem cell rescue
      • Adjuvant chemo for high risk pathology
      • (20 min) Systemic chemotherapy for intra-ocular retinoblastoma. (Bhavna Chawla)
      • (20 min) Neo-adjuvant chemo for extra-ocular retinoblastoma. (Bhavna Chawla)

14:50-15:10       Tea Break

15:10-16:40 Genetic testing and counseling

Drs. David Mackie, Sandra E. Staffieri, Wantanee Dangboon,

  • (30 min) Principles of genetic knowledge and counseling. (David Mackey)
  • (20 min) Genomic forefront for the future. (David Mackey)
  • (20 min) Low vs full penetrance RB1 mutations and mosicism (Brenda Gallie)
  • (20 min) Genetic testing for retinoblastoma – the changing paradigm for clinical care. (Sandra Staffieri)
  • (20 min) Life-long surveillance for retinoblastoma and second cancers. (Wantanee Dangboon)

16:40-17:00       Tea Break

17:00-17:40       Day review and free discussion

Day 2: Tuesday, November 29, 2016:

8:20-9:50           Pathology

Drs. Xialin Xi, Brenda Gallie

  • (30 min) Pathogenesis of retinoblastoma. (Brenda Gallie)
  • (30 min) pTNM and pathology report. (Brenda Gallie)
  • (15 min) Critical observations, communication, actions. (Xialin Xi)
  • (15 min) High-risk eye pathology features & indication for adjuvant chemotherapy. (Brenda Gallie)

9:50-10:10         Tea Break

10:10-11:40       Examination staging and screening

Drs. Vikas Khetan, Tero Kivelä

  • (30 min) Presentation and diagnosis. (Vikas Khetan)
  • (30 min) 2017 TNMH vs 2005 IIRC (Vikas Khetan)
  • (15 min) Neonatal retinoblastoma. (Tero Kivelä)
  • (15 min) Trilateral retinoblastoma. (Tero Kivelä)

11:40-13:20       Lunch

13:20-14:50       Focal therapies

Drs. Francis Munier, Jing Zhang, Jungyang Zhao, Pamela Astudillo

  • (15 min) Intravitreal and Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma. (Francis Munier)
  • (15 min) Laser/cryo, plaque. (Francis Munier)
  • (20 min) Technique, dos and don’ts of selective intra-artery chemo. (Jing Zhang, presented by Drummond Xia)
  • (20 min) Enucleation, Myoconjunctival technique, Prosthetic conformers and eyes. (Pamela Astudillo)
  • (20 min) Intraocular tumor resection. (Junyang Zhao)

14:50-15:10       Tea Break

15:10-16:40       Clinic and Basic Research Opportunities

Dr. Tero Kivelä

  • (30 min) World surveys and analysis of outcomes (Tero Kivelä)
  • (30 min) Standardization of care (Tero Kivelä)
  • (30 min) Basic statistical principles for clinical reports (Tero Kivelä)
  • (15 min) Role of eCCRB (Brenda Gallie)

16:40-17:00       Tea Break

17:00-17:40       Day review and free discussion

Day 3: Wednesday, November 30, 2016:

8:20-9:50         Collaboration

Drs. Junyang Zhao, Jing Zhang, Xiaolin Xia, Francis Munier, Tero Kivelä, Brenda Gallie, Vikas Khetan, Bhavna Chawla, David Mackie

  • National China
  • National India
  • EuRBG
  • 1RBW

9:50-10:10         Tea Break

10:10-10:30 Genetic consultant and explanation of Impact/Geenseq reports. (Marc Zhao)

10:30-11:30     Knowledge Summary and Review

All participants

  • Questionaire #2/3

12:00                 Check-out

 

Six months after the Workshop, we request all participants to fill out Questionnaire #3/3, on line.

Don’t Forget Sunglasses: Think of them as Sunblock for Your Eyes

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner. The holiday traditionally kicks off the summer season. That means boating out on the lake, lazy days at the beach, yard work, and long road trips.

As you get ready for all of your summer activities, you’ll probably run by the store and pick up some sunscreen and slather it on before you head out. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get some sunglasses. After all, you should “think of sunglasses as sunblock for your eyes.” tm

Wearing sunglasses isn’t just about making a fashion statement, or even comfort. They may actually serve as an important line of defense against eye cancer.

Sun can damage tissues in your eyes just like it does the skin. Of course, you can’t rub sunscreen on your eyes. That’s why you need to have (and wear) ultraviolet blocking sunglasses.

And ultraviolet blocking is key.

To protect your eyes, you need quality sunglasses that provide 100% UV protection. You want to wear sunglasses that block all UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. Many optical shops have a machine called a photometer that measures UV transmission through glasses. You want to make sure your sunglasses filter out all UV radiation or light under 400 nm in wavelength.

Ocular melanoma is the most common primary eye tumor in adults. Doctors diagnose around 2,000 new cases every year. These tumors are closely related to skin cancer. Since exposure to the sun is a known risk factor for skin, eyelids and conjunctival cancers, it follows that UV rays from the sun may also increase the risk of developing this form of eye cancer. There is circumstantial evidence linking exposure to sunlight and ocular melanoma. This form of eye cancer is more common in patients with blue eyes, arc-welders and those who work in outdoor occupations.

So don’t take a chance. Make sure you have sunblock for your eyes – a quality pair of sunglasses.

Patient Stories

"Very well treated by Dr. Finger. He explained everything I needed to know about my issue with detail and attention, putting me at ease and giving me confidence to handle this problem for the rest of my life.”
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