Ocular oncology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology dedicated to diagnosing and treating tumors of the eye and surrounding structures. These tumors can be benign or malignant and may arise in the eyelid, conjunctiva, orbit, optic nerve, or inside the eye itself, including the retina and choroid. Common types include retinoblastoma, primarily seen in children, and uveal melanoma, the most frequent intraocular cancer in adults. Symptoms can range from vision changes and eye pain to visible growths or proptosis (bulging of the eye).
Diagnosis involves advanced imaging techniques such as ultrasound, MRI, and optical coherence tomography (OCT), often supplemented by biopsy for confirmation. Treatment varies based on the tumor's type, size, and location, and may include chemotherapy, radiation, laser therapy, or surgical interventions, including enucleation in severe cases. Ocular oncology is vital for not only preserving vision but also for saving lives, requiring coordinated care among ophthalmologists, oncologists, and pathologists.