Aussies warned to protect against little-known but deadly melanoma

Australians are routinely informed to cowl up and get moles checked to keep away from pores and skin most cancers, however there’s one other type of doubtlessly lethal melanoma medical doctors are warning about.

Skin most cancers within the eye, or ocular melanoma, is a “nasty” analysis and Aussies are being warned to take further precautions as UV index ranges hit excessive over summer season.

Queensland mother-mother-of-two Susan Vine was 37 when she went to a physician about blurry imaginative and prescient and complications.

Experts warn against skin cancer that grows in eyes — Susan misplaced her eye to the aggressive most cancers. (Nine)

“I was diagnosed with ocular melanoma of the iris and the following Wednesday my eye was removed,” Vine informed 9News.

“I was stunned, I grew up with a large freckle in my eye.

“Suddenly it was an amazing huge melanoma.”

Eye surgeon Dr Bill Glasson said ocular melanoma was one of the “nastiest tumours” you can get in the eye. The survival rate is just 50 per cent in a five-year period.

“If we choose them up early they’re very treatable, if we choose them up late you would possibly lose your eye or your life,” Glasson told 9News.

Those who don’t get regular eye tests should book in for a check-up, particularly if you’re over 40 or have a pale complexion and light hair.

Experts warn against eye cancer affecting hundreds of Queenslanders every year — Ocular Melanoma grows inside the eyeball after too much sun exposure. (Nine)

Kerry Gallagher, the CEO of the Australian Society of Ophthalmologists, says people need to be cautious when out in the sun.

“UV ranges have reached a seasonal excessive… and whereas everyone knows to slide slop slap, it is also value it to slip in your sun shades and likewise search shade,” he told 9News.

The risk of developing ocular melanoma increases with higher UV indexes and hot temperatures, so doctors are doubling down on warnings.

Anything over a UV index of three can be harmful, however recent levels over 11-13 are considered extreme.

Australians have been urged to take their sunglasses with them when they step out into the sun this summer. Experts say close-fitting, wrap-around sunglasses are the most effective.

What are the symptoms of Ocular melanoma?

Ocular melanoma can be hard to diagnose as it grows in areas you can’t see with the naked eye. Usually, it can present itself as asymptomatic and needs to be detected by an optometrist, but some people may experience the following symptoms.