Ocular Nevi: Are Freckles In The Eye Dangerous?

Ocular nevi are mainly known as freckles in the eye. These mole-like spots form on the inside of the eye and their shape and color are similar to the moles we get on the skin.

It is a benign condition that affects 6% of white people, in whom it is more common. It is also more common in newborns and people under 20 years of age. However, the risk of malicious transformation is low, less than 1%.

These stains can undoubtedly make you think they are malignant. So, today we will explain what you need to know about ocular nevi and their possible complications.

What are freckles in the eye?

The ocular nevus is a benign pigmented tumor that sometimes appears in the eye. It forms at the front of the eye, on the white part in a layer called the conjunctiva.

Ocular nevi are formed by an abnormal and non-uniform group of cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes are responsible for producing a pigment called melanin, which gives color to the skin, hair and eyes.

As for their shape, they can be flat or slightly raised and they rarely exceed 3 inches. Its appearance is very similar to that of a mole on the skin and it is usually a congenital condition, that is, we are born with it or it appears during childhood.

These moles are also produced by excessive exposure to unprotected sunlight. For this reason , they are more common in fair-skinned people.

Ocular nevus symptoms

In general, ocular nevi are asymptomatic. A medical consultation is often prompted by the observation of an injury or by a slight feeling of irritation. You should also know that the presence of a small dark spot in the eye does not mean that there is a disease behind it.

As with moles, ocular nevi rarely lead to symptoms or complications. For the most part, they are just a personal feature. It’s the same as any other freckle you have on your skin.

People often confuse them with colored formations that are normal parts of the eyeball in many cases. This is because the layer covering the eye may be too thin and the normal anatomy transparent.

Unlike brown spots, the ocular nevi have well-defined limits, flat, solid and even mobile to the touch. That is, the ocular nevi are not attached to the inner layers of the eye.

When to consult a professional

1% of ocular nevi may show mutations in their melanocytes, which turn into melanomas over time. A melanoma is a malignant tumor and its main characteristic is its ability to spread.

It may be too late to act on a particular injury if not properly supervised. Monitoring all our brands is therefore important, both on the skin and in the eyes. Therefore, in the presence of an eye spot that:

• Gets bigger.
• Changes in appearance.
• Located in an unusual place.
• Changes quickly.

Signs that freckles in the eye can be malignant

An ophthalmic consultation at the right time will clear all doubts about an eye stain. In general, an ocular nevus is not cancerous, but you can see your doctor if you notice any abnormalities. This is because a benign spot can definitely turn malignant. These are the most common symptoms:

• A change in the color of the iris. Benign nevi are usually brownish to gray brown, so a yellow color is not normal.
• Changed vision, double or blurred vision.
• redness.
• Pain and itching.
• Changes in shape, texture, height, or stiffness.
• His appearance in adulthood.
• Fluid comes out of the eye.

How to treat freckles in the eye

Fortunately, most nevi do not require treatment, as they do not affect vision, nor are they problematic for health. That is, you do not need to do anything if the mole is benign. At least according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

However, if the spot changes and develops into a malignant melanoma, surgical removal may be necessary, as long as the location and size allow. Radiation therapy is also a common part of this treatment.

Finally , an ocular nevus usually does not endanger our health, but we must be aware of them and their characteristics and keep them under control. That way you know when to see your doctor in the event of a change.