Ocular melanosis
Melanosis oculi, more rarely (congenital ) called ocular melanosis, is a congenital hyperpigmentation of the average eyeball ( uvea or the lamina episcleralis ), which presents itself in a striking heterochromia. The iris may appear so dark that you can hardly see the pupil.
If in addition to the pigmentation of the eye, a skin pigmentation is still observed, it is referred to as nevus of Ota. The differential diagnosis melanosis oculi of other potentially dangerous acquired melanosis of the eye must be distinguished.
Pathology and epidemiology
Melanosis oculi is innate in most cases. The frequency is specified in the white population, with 38 per 100 000 and in the dark-skinned with 14 per 100 000. Significantly higher values are estimated for Asians.
The cause of melanosis oculi is unilateral propagating pigment- rich melanocytes.
From a melanosis oculi, a choroidal melanoma (malignant uveal melanoma) may develop. The probability of such a deterioration is approximately 5%. Due to the hormonal influence of pregnancy, the probability can be further increased. Regular checks of the eye are recommended by most doctors.
Therapy
Melanosis oculi can not be surgically removed. A regular ophthalmological examination is recommended.
Further Reading
- N. E. Bechrakis et al: Ocular melanoma. In: The Oncologist 12, 2006, pp. 213-221. doi: 10.1007/s00761-006-1033-7
- J. Heine: contribution to acquired melanosis oculi. In: Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd 195, 1989, pp. 379-381. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1050060