Many people feel worried when they discover brown spots appearing in their eyes. So, is this phenomenon a sign of a serious medical condition? How should we deal with brown spots on the surface of the eye? Let’s explore this topic with Japan International Eye Hospital in the article below.

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What Are Brown Spots in the Eyes?

In most cases, brown spots appearing in the eyes are completely harmless. They are usually caused by an increase in melanin pigmentation in the eye. These spots are often referred to as eye freckles or eye moles and commonly appear on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva) or the colored part of the eye (iris).

In rarer cases, however, brown spots may indicate a malignant tumor associated with eye cancer. Eye cancer is extremely rare, with an incidence rate of about 5 cases per one million adults, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.

⚠️ In rare situations, brown spots can be a warning sign of eye cancer.

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Causes of Brown Spots in the Eyes

1. Increased Melanin Pigmentation

Brown spots are formed by melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin—the pigment that gives color to our skin, hair, and eyes.

Normally, melanocytes are evenly distributed throughout body tissues. However, when they cluster together, they can form moles or freckles on the body in general, or brown spots in the eyes specifically. These spots may be congenital or may appear later in life.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, there is a strong link between ultraviolet (UV) exposure and the development of brown spots on the body. Therefore, not wearing sunglasses or properly protecting the eyes from sunlight can contribute to their formation.

☀️ Prolonged UV exposure without eye protection may increase the risk of brown spots in the eyes.

2. Eye Cancer (Rare Cases)

In rare cases where brown spots are a warning sign of malignant eye tumors, scientists have not yet identified the exact cause. However, potential contributing factors may include:

• Genetic predisposition

• Environmental influences

• DNA mutations

Because there are often no obvious or specific symptoms, patients usually cannot distinguish whether brown spots are caused by increased melanin or by eye cancer on their own. For this reason, anyone who notices brown spots in their eyes should visit an ophthalmology clinic for proper examination using medical equipment and receive professional advice from an eye specialist.

👁️ An eye examination is essential to determine the underlying cause.

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3. Other Factors

Aside from the causes mentioned above, brown spots in the eyes may also be related to individual characteristics, such as:

• Light-colored eyes

• Fair skin

• Disorders involving abnormal mole formation

Can Brown Spots in the Eyes Be Treated?

1. Treatment for Increased Melanin Pigmentation

If brown spots are caused by increased melanin pigmentation, doctors generally do not recommend removing them, as unnecessary intervention may damage the eyes. Instead, ophthalmologists typically photograph the spots annually to monitor any changes and detect early signs of malignancy.

In these cases, brown spots do not affect vision. Preventive measures include wearing sunglasses and protecting the eyes from direct sunlight.

🩺 Benign brown spots in the eyes usually do not require removal.

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2. Treatment for Eye Cancer

If the brown spot is diagnosed as a malignant tumor, treatment will depend on the stage and severity of the disease. Possible treatment options include:

• Radiation therapy

• Surgical removal

• Medication

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Conclusion

In summary, most cases of brown spots appearing in the eyes are benign and do not affect overall health. Therefore, there is no need to panic if you notice this condition. However, it is important to be proactive and visit an ophthalmology clinic for an eye examination to identify the cause and receive appropriate eye care advice from a specialist.