Brown spots on the eye are common pigmented areas. While many are benign, their appearance often prompts questions about eye health. These spots can manifest in various forms and originate from different layers of the eye’s structure. Understanding their nature helps distinguish between harmless variations and those requiring medical attention.
Common Eye Spots
Many brown spots are typically benign variations in pigmentation. Iris freckles, also known as ephelides, are small, flat brown spots on the iris, the colored part of the eye. Similar to skin freckles, these are pigment-producing cell accumulations and are generally harmless. They are common and often discovered incidentally during routine eye examinations.
Conjunctival nevi are frequent brown spots on the conjunctiva, the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. These moles can vary in color from light to dark brown. They may be flat or slightly raised and sometimes contain small cysts, but are usually benign and grow very slowly, if at all.
Choroidal nevi are flat, pigmented lesions in the choroid, a blood-vessel-rich layer behind the retina. An eye care professional typically identifies these moles during a dilated eye examination. Like skin moles, choroidal nevi are usually harmless and stable, but require periodic monitoring for changes.
When to Be Concerned
While many brown spots are harmless, certain characteristics or symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. A spot that rapidly changes in size, shape, or border irregularity is concerning. Any noticeable darkening or uneven coloration within it warrants immediate attention from an eye care professional.
The sudden appearance of a new, quickly growing brown spot is a warning sign. Such changes may indicate a more serious condition. Associated symptoms alongside a brown spot also warrant concern. These include blurry vision, flashes of light, new floaters, eye pain, persistent irritation, or noticeable redness.
Conjunctival spots near or growing onto the cornea can be problematic. Iris spots that rapidly expand or cause issues like glaucoma also require investigation. Excessive UV exposure or a personal or family history of melanoma can increase risk.
Seeking Professional Guidance
If a brown spot on the eye causes concern, seeking professional guidance from an ophthalmologist is advisable. A comprehensive dilated eye exam is the initial diagnostic procedure. During this examination, the eye care professional will thoroughly inspect the spot using specialized instruments to assess its characteristics, including its size, precise location, and any subtle changes.
Ophthalmologists may utilize advanced imaging techniques for a detailed understanding of the spot. These include fundus photography for documentation, optical coherence tomography (OCT) for structure and depth, or ultrasound for internal features. These tools help determine if the spot is stable or suspicious.
Most benign spots require regular monitoring with periodic follow-up. If a spot is suspicious for malignancy, such as ocular melanoma, treatment options like radiation therapy or surgical removal may be discussed, though these interventions are uncommon. Protecting eyes from excessive UV radiation with sunglasses can help prevent damage and new spots.