Eye Lymphoma
Learn about Eye lymphoma
Eye lymphoma, also known as ocular lymphoma, is a rare cancer that occurs when the immune system's lymphatic cells multiply abnormally in the eye or surrounding tissues. It can affect the retina, vitreous, optic nerve, or conjunctiva.
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Cloudy vitreous
- Restricted eye movement
- Double vision
- Eye appears enlarged or pushed forward
Eye lymphoma is treated with a combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and sometimes immunotherapy:
- Radiation therapy
The most common treatment, radiation therapy is usually given to both eyes, and sometimes to the brain and spinal cord. It's very effective and precise, and can help prevent the cancer from spreading.
- Chemotherapy
Can be given intravenously, directly into the eye, or into the fluid around the spinal cord. Chemotherapy given directly into the eye is more precise and may have fewer side effects.
- Immunotherapy
A newer treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. It's especially useful for people who haven't responded to other therapies.
Treatment for eye lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease, and whether it has spread. Surgery is not usually used to treat lymphoma that develops inside the eye.
Eye lymphoma is often diagnosed by an ophthalmologist, who may perform a biopsy to remove a tissue sample from the eye.