Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of developing a disease. Here are some of the risk factors for developing melanoma of the eye:
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Fair complexion/Light-colored eyes
People with pale skin, blonde or red hair, a lot of freckles, or light-colored eyes are at an increased risk for melanoma of the eye.
Age
Your risk for uveal melanoma increases with age. Most cases of melanoma occur in people over the age of 40.
Atypical mole and melanoma syndrome (AMS)
A dysplastic nevus is a mole that looks different than most moles (i.e. size, shape, color, texture) and is more likely to turn into cancer. People with AMS have a large number of dysplastic nevi and are at an increased risk for melanoma of the eye.
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Nevus of Ota
Nevus of Ota is a condition marked by an increased amount of melanocytes in or around the eye. This condition results in increased pigmentation and causes colored marks to form on the skin and eyes. Patients with Nevus of Ota may be at an increased risk for developing melanoma of the eye.
