Secondary Eye Metastases
Overview
Secondary eye metastases are cancers that spread to the eye from other primary sites, most commonly the breast, lung, prostate, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract. These are the most frequent intraocular malignancies in adults, typically affecting the choroid.
Symptoms
- Blurred or decreased vision
- Visual field defects
- Floaters or flashes of light
- Eye pain or redness (less common)
- Rarely, retinal detachment or secondary glaucoma
Causes & Risk Factors
- History of systemic cancer (especially breast and lung)
- Late-stage or metastatic disease
- Higher risk in patients with known malignancy and new visual symptoms
Diagnosis
- Fundus examination and visual acuity testing
- Ocular ultrasound (B-scan)
- Fluorescein angiography or OCT
- MRI or CT scan (for orbital involvement)
- Biopsy if primary site is unknown or atypical presentation
Treatment Options
- Radiation therapy (external beam or plaque brachytherapy)
- Systemic chemotherapy (based on primary tumor type)
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy (for specific cancers)
- Enucleation in painful or blind eyes (rare)
Prognosis
- Depends on control of the primary cancer
- Vision may be preserved if caught early and treated
- Ocular metastases often indicate advanced systemic disease
Living with this Cancer Type
- Regular oncology and ophthalmology coordination
- Visual rehabilitation and support
- Symptom control (e.g., eye pain or visual disturbance)
- Psychological support for advanced cancer coping
Prevention & Screening
- Regular eye exams for patients with known cancers
- Prompt evaluation of new visual symptoms in cancer patients
- Continued systemic cancer surveillance
FAQs
Q: Are eye metastases common?
A：Yes, they are the most common intraocular malignancies in adults.
Q: Will treatment save my vision?
A：Often yes, especially if caught early and managed alongside systemic therapy.
Q: Can they occur without knowing I have cancer?
A：Rarely, but eye symptoms may be the first sign in undiagnosed malignancy.
Resources
- American Cancer Society
- Ocular Oncology Group
- ClinicalTrials.gov
Understand Precision Testing
Learn how liquid biopsy and chemo sensitivity testing can personalize your treatment plan.
Make Informed Decisions
Gain knowledge to actively participate in treatment discussions with your healthcare team.
Improve Treatment Outcomes
Discover how precision medicine and metabolic therapies can enhance treatment effectiveness.
Start Your Educational Journey Today
Empower yourself with knowledge about precision metabolic oncology and take an active role in your cancer care journey.
Need More Information?
Our team of oncology experts is here to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.