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Treatments for eye cancer

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Eye
  5. Treatment
Print

If you have eye cancer, your healthcare team will create a treatment plan just for you. It will be based on your health and specific information about the cancer. When deciding which treatments to offer for eye cancer, your healthcare team will consider:

  • the type of eye cancer
  • the size and location of the tumour in the eye
  • whether or not the cancer has spread outside of the eye
  • the effect the treatment will have on your vision
  • your age and general health
  • your personal preferences

The goal of treating eye cancer is to prevent it from spreading and to save your vision whenever possible.

Expert review and references

Treatments for intraocular melanoma

The following are treatment options for all stages of the intraocular melanoma of the choroid. The types of treatments given are based on the unique needs of the person with cancer and the status of their vision.
Learn more on Treatments for intraocular melanoma

Treatments for lymphoma of the eye

Lymphoma of the eye can affect the inside of the eyeball (called intraocular lymphoma), the conjunctiva (a clear mucous membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the outer surface of the eye), eyelids or structures within the eye socket (orbit). Learn about treatment options for lymphoma of the eye, including radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Learn more on Treatments for lymphoma of the eye

Surgery for eye cancer

Surgery is one of the primary treatments used to treat eye cancer. The type of surgery you have depends on the size and location of the tumour, your age and the stage of the cancer. Learn about types of surgery, including eye resection, enucleation and orbital exenteration as well as artificial eye and reconstructive surgery.
Learn more on Surgery for eye cancer

Radiation therapy for eye cancer

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. Most people with eye cancer will have radiation therapy.
Learn more on Radiation therapy for eye cancer

Chemotherapy for eye cancer

Chemotherapy may be used to treat eye cancer in certain situations. Chemotherapy is the use of anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to treat cancer. It is usually a systemic therapy that circulates throughout the body and destroys cancer cells, including those that may have broken away from the primary tumour.
Learn more on Chemotherapy for eye cancer

Active surveillance (watchful waiting) for eye cancer

Active surveillance may be a treatment option for some people with eye cancer who are not experiencing symptoms. Active surveillance means the healthcare team watches the cancer closely. Treatment is given when the signs and symptoms of eye cancer appear or change.
Learn more on Active surveillance (watchful waiting) for eye cancer

Targeted therapy for eye cancer

Targeted therapy is sometimes used to treat advanced eye cancer. Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific molecules (such as proteins) on cancer cells or inside them. These molecules help send signals that tell cells to grow or divide. By targeting these molecules, the drugs stop the growth and spread of cancer cells while limiting harm to normal cells.
Learn more on Targeted therapy for eye cancer

Immunotherapy for eye cancer

Immunotherapy is rarely used to treat eye cancer. It is a type of treatment that uses the immune system to help destroy cancer cells. The immune system is a complex system of cells and organs that work together to defend our bodies against disease and infection.
Learn more on Immunotherapy for eye cancer

Follow-up after treatment for eye cancer

Eye cancer behaves differently in each person, and a standard follow-up schedule would not work for everyone. People with eye cancer should talk to their doctor about a follow-up plan that suits their individual situation. Follow-up care is often shared among the cancer specialists and family doctor.
Learn more on Follow-up after treatment for eye cancer

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Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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