As soon as a brown spot appears in your eye, it is normal to be alarmed. However, you should know that in most cases, these are harmless. You will notice them on the white part of the eye (called sclera), the iris (the colored part of the eye), or within your eye.
Some of the brown spots on eyes are just normal pigmentation. However, some are an indication that you are suffering from a disease. This is why it is important to be aware of causes so you understand when it is time to look for medical help.
Why Do The Brown Spots Develop?
There are some possible causes that brown spots will develop on the eye. The most frequent of these is a nevus, which is merely a skin mole. Nevi can develop at birth, or they will develop during the course of a person’s lifetime and are, for the most part, harmless. But the nevi must be monitored for change. Another usual cause is melanosis, the deposition of excess melanin, and this will happen to individuals with darker-colored skin.
Freckles on the iris will often develop because of long-term sun exposure. Usually, these are harmless. But, they can also be a sign of UV overexposure. You will have to go to the doctor if you notice that the size of the brown spot changes.
Melanoma is a serious problem you have to be on the lookout for. This is a cancer type that can appear on the ciliary body, choroid, or iris. As opposed to benign pigmentation, melanoma can manifest with a dark spot that initially appears and then starts growing. Once again, this is why you have to go to the doctor when you notice size changes.
Symptoms to Watch For
While brown eye spots tend to be harmless, you have to be aware of some specific symptoms. Whenever you notice any of these, go to the doctor:
- The spot becomes larger
- The spot changes color
- The spot changes shape
- You notice blurred vision or pain
Also, if you have new spots that often appear, go to the eye doctor.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The ophthalmologist is going to perform different tests and inspect the affected area. This is necessary to determine brown spot nature. Also, in some situations, imaging tests and photography are utilized so changes are monitored. When the brown spot is benign, no real treatment is needed. When you are affected by a more severe condition, advanced treatment is necessary. The common procedures that are considered, based on what the patient is suffering from, are:
- Laser therapy
- Surgical removal (considered when malignancy evidence exists)
Prevention Tips
Because of the fact that most brown spots on the eyes are not cancer or serious, there are some very simple prevention tips you will surely want to use. Basically, you need to embrace some lifestyle choices.
Always wear sunglasses and go to the doctor for your regular check-ups. If you detect the brown spots early, even if they are a sign of something serious, it is much easier to take care of. Also, you have to avoid eye injuries and properly take care of your body. Your overall health will have an impact on your eyes.
Final Thoughts
Brown spots on your eyes are almost always benign. But, you have to always monitor them as soon as they are noticed. At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember is that you have to go to the doctor as soon as you notice vision disturbance, color variation, or abrupt growing. Medical consultations guarantees early detection. It helps you go through a treatment early, when the possibility of being cured is much higher.
