Doctors reveal two eye colours that are more likely to get a rare type of cancer
The cancer affects 2,500 people in the US each year
Rhianna Benson
Research from recent studies into eye cancer indicates that individuals with one particular colour are considerably more likely to be dealt a life-changing diagnosis.
For those unfamiliar with the condition, there are several different variations of eye cancer in the medical field, one being melanoma.
Like skin cancer, melanoma develops in cells that provide colour to specific sections of the body. These cells, technically known as melanocytes, dictate the shade of skin you have, as well as what colour your eyes are, and your hair colour.
When this type of cancer affects the eyes specifically, it's referred to as 'ocular melanoma'.
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This disease could either see cancerous cells taking hold of the surface of the eye, as well as the eyelid, or inside of the organ itself.
In the latter case, these dangerous cells grow in a layer of tissue that lies under the white part of the eye, known as the uvea, which contains melanocytes.
Despite being the most common variation of eye cancer in adults across the world, it is still deemed rare compared to other types of the potentially deadly disease.
That isn't to say that the strain shouldn't be taken seriously, however, with ocular melanoma having the potential to cause severe vision issues, as well as spread to other organs.
And according to experts at WebMD, individuals with two particular eye colours should be more aware of the risks of the disease.
As is the case with fairer, light-skinned people, those with light eye colours are said to be more at risk of developing the condition, with this especially being true for blue or green-eyed individuals, as opposed to those with brown eyes.
While skin cancer cases show evidence linking melanoma to ultraviolet rays, in eye cancer cases, this correlation remains somewhat uncertain. In fact, according to the health site, 'doctors don't know exactly what causes ocular melanoma'.
Thankfully, however, medics simultaneously emphasised that, while blue or green-eyed people might have an increased risk of receiving this specific diagnosis, your chances are still pretty low, with only 2,500 getting diagnosed per year in the US.
Studies have also found a similar connection between eye cancer diagnosis risks and freckly/moley skin, with sufferers of atypical mole syndrome, which can cause more than 100 moles to form on a person's body, being the most likely to receive a diagnosis.
Whether you fall under either of these categories or not, however, medics believe people should clue themselves up on the various symptoms of ocular melanoma.
Unfortunately, in its earliest form, eye cancer has few to no indicators.
So, unless your doctor catches it early during a routine eye exam, you mightn't know you have the disease until it progresses slightly.
In these cases, the growing tumour could cause floating black spots, light flashes, or loss of eyesight.
Patients may also notice the shape of their pupil changing.
If the cancerous cells develop on the iris specifically (the colourful ring within the eye), it might be slightly easier to spot. These cells can also cause fluid to leak out of the eye, trigger flashes or light, or trigger vision loss.