What causes ocular melanoma? There is nothing you can do to prevent getting ocular melanoma. We know that past trauma, UV exposure and all sorts of environmental hazards or occupations have not been shown to be convincingly related to getting ocular melanoma.  Genetics: some people with more cancers in their family (specifically kidney cancer, ocular melanoma, mesothelioma (lung), prostate or skin cancer) may be more predisposed to getting ocular melanoma, if they have a BAP1 mutation that is passed on through their genes. However, most people with ocular melanoma do not have a strong family history of cancer.  Ultraviolet Light Exposure (UV): There is no evidence at all that forgetting to wear sunglasses makes you more likely to get ocular melanoma. There is also no evidence that being outdoors alot, or surfing in the ocean all your life predisposes you to ocular melanoma. There is no need to start wearing sunglasses after you get diagnosed. There is also no need to wear sunglasses if you have a freckle/nevus in your eye.  Two predisposing eye conditions to note: 1) A benign freckle/nevus/mole/lesion in the eye may one day transform into a melanoma. As long as you are being monitored and have seen an ocular oncologist, it will not be too late for treatment if the benign lesion begins to change to cancer. 2) Oculodermalmelanocytosis: if you were born with a dark patch of pigmentation around your eyelids or skin around your eyes, or the white of your eye has dark patches of pigmentation, you have a higher risk of getting an ocular melanoma. Yearly dilated eye exams will help in the early detection of any ocular melanoma that may develop.  Welcome to Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma, a guide to understanding everything there is to know about your experience with this rare cancer. Learn through the lens of my knowledge and clinical experience as a physician expert and passionate patient advocate. The more you know about ocular melanoma, the better you will do, and the better you will live. Let's go! The content shared on the Finding Your Way with Ocular Melanoma podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided must not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As a listener, you are responsible for your own health-related decisions and must consider consulting with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.  Tara McCannel MD PhD is a an ocular oncologist, vitreoretinal surgeon and co-founder of Seyhart Wellness. She is also the host of the Mind Body MD podcast where she shares her passion for holistic health and wellness.

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