The human eye is a complex and sensitive organ that plays an essential role in our daily lives. Any changes in its appearance or function can be a cause for concern. One such change is the development of brown spots on the white part of the eye. If you observe a brown spot on your eye while checking yourself in the mirror, you might feel anxious and curious to know its nature and the reason for its occurrence. The spot may resemble a patch of brown color on either the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, or the conjunctiva, which is the clear membrane that covers the eyeball.
In most cases, a brown spot on eye is just a harmless mole inside the eye. But in very rare cases, it could be a type of cancer known as ocular melanoma. In this article, we will explore what a brown spot on the eye means, its causes, other eye health symptoms that may be noticed, when to seek medical care, and available treatment options.
What Does a Brown Spot on the White Part of Your Eye Mean?
A brown spot on eye, also known as the sclera, is called a conjunctival nevus, mole, or eye freckle. It is a type of benign or non-cancerous growth on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the sclera. These freckles can also be found in several other places, including the iris and the white part of the eye.
Conjunctival nevi are usually flat or slightly raised, and their color ranges from light brown to dark brown. They can appear anywhere on the sclera, and their size can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters.
Though extremely rare, eye freckles could be a type of cancer called ocular melanoma. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the occurrence of this type of cancer is only 5 per million adults.
Causes
The exact cause of a conjunctival nevus is not known. However, it is believed to be a result of an overgrowth of melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Conjunctival nevi are more common in people with fair skin, light-colored eyes, and those exposed to sunlight for extended periods.
Other Eye Health Symptoms You May Notice
In most cases, a conjunctival nevus does not cause any symptoms, and the individual may not even be aware of its presence. Most people only notice they have one when looking in the mirror.
However, in some cases, it may cause discomfort, irritation, or redness in the eye. If the nevus is large or located near the cornea, it may cause vision problems or astigmatism.
When To Seek Medical Care
Though brown spots may be harmless, it is recommended to seek medical care as there is a slight chance that it might turn into melanoma. If you notice any changes in the size, shape, or color of the brown spot on your eye, or you are experiencing discomfort, redness, or vision problems, it is best to consult an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specializes in eye care. The ophthalmologist will examine the eye and may perform additional tests to rule out any underlying conditions or complications.
How Do You Remove a Brown Spot from The Eye?
Removing a conjunctival nevus is not always necessary, especially if it is not causing any symptoms or vision problems. However, the ophthalmologist may recommend removing the nevus if it is large, growing, or near the cornea.
The most common method of removing a conjunctival nevus is through a surgical procedure called excision. In this procedure, the ophthalmologist numbs the eye with local anesthesia and removes the nevus using a scalpel or laser. After the procedure, the eye may be covered with a patch, and the individual may need to use eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing.
Is There a Treatment for A Brown Spot on The Eye?
When it comes to a nevus or multiple nevi, a medical professional would usually keep an eye on it/them and capture images annually. This method assists them in comparing the pictures to ensure that the spot is not increasing in size or exhibiting any cancerous symptoms.
In the case of a benign nevus, removal may only be necessary if it is on the external part of the eye and influencing its appearance. The doctor may suggest a watch-and-wait approach for tiny melanoma cases.
Depending on the location of the melanoma, treatment options may vary. If the melanoma is on the eye’s surface, a surgical procedure called excision may be performed to remove it. In this procedure, the doctor numbs the eye with local anesthesia and removes the melanoma using a scalpel or laser. However, if the melanoma has spread to deeper layers of the eye or other parts of the body, more aggressive treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.
To prevent the development of nevi or reduce their growth, it is recommended to protect the eyes from sun exposure by wearing sunglasses or a hat with a brim. If the individual has fair skin, light-colored eyes, or a family history of nevi, it is advisable to have regular eye exams to detect any changes in the eye’s appearance or function. Early detection and treatment of melanoma are crucial for the best outcome.
Takeaway
A brown spot on eye, also known as a conjunctival nevus, is a type of benign growth that occurs on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that covers the sclera. It is usually harmless, but in rare cases, it could be cancer known as ocular melanoma.
Most people do not experience any symptoms, but in some cases, the nevus may cause discomfort, irritation, or redness in the eye. If the nevus changes in size, shape, or color, or you are experiencing discomfort or vision problems, it is best to consult an eye doctor.
