Discovering a brown spot in your eye can be unexpected, raising questions about its origin and significance. It is common for individuals to develop pigmented spots, sometimes called eye freckles or moles, on or within their eyes. While many are harmless, some variations might indicate a need for professional evaluation. Understanding the different types of brown spots and their characteristics can help distinguish between a typical finding and one that warrants closer attention.
Common Brown Spots
Many brown spots observed in the eye resemble freckles or moles found on the skin. These pigmented areas form due to a collection of melanocytes, cells that produce melanin, the pigment giving color to our hair, skin, and eyes. The location of these cell clumps determines the specific type of eye spot.
Iris freckles are small, flat, dark brown flecks appearing on the surface of the iris, the colored part of your eye. These are harmless and generally do not change into a more serious condition. Iris nevi are similar to iris freckles but are typically larger and extend deeper into the iris tissue, sometimes causing the pupil to shift slightly. While usually benign, they are monitored for changes.
Conjunctival nevi are moles on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye and the inner eyelids. These spots vary in color from yellow to gray or brown and may appear slightly raised. They are common visible eye spots and, while generally non-cancerous, can change in size or color over time. Choroidal nevi are inside the eye, under the retina in the choroid, making them invisible without a dilated eye exam. These spots are also usually benign and detected during routine eye exams, requiring periodic monitoring.
Concerning Brown Spots and Warning Signs
Certain characteristics or changes can indicate a more serious underlying condition, such as ocular melanoma. Ocular melanoma is a rare cancer originating from melanocytes within the eye, often developing in the uvea (iris, ciliary body, and choroid). This condition can arise from an existing nevus or appear as a new spot.
Specific warning signs suggest a brown spot might be concerning. These include:
- Noticeable changes in the spot’s size, shape, or color.
- An irregular border around the spot.
- New floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow in your vision.
- Blurry or distorted vision in one eye.
- A change in the pupil’s shape.
- Loss of peripheral vision.
- Pain or discomfort in or around the eye, if a tumor expands.
When to Seek Professional Eye Care
It is prudent to consult an eye care professional for any new brown spot observed in your eye or any changes to an existing one. Even if a spot appears benign, consistent monitoring by an ophthalmologist is recommended, especially for choroidal nevi.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are recommended, particularly if you have numerous moles on your skin or a family history of eye conditions. During an examination, an eye doctor may perform a dilated eye exam to inspect the internal structures of your eye. They may also use imaging techniques to document the spot and track potential changes over time. Early detection of any concerning changes can improve outcomes.