What Increases The Risk Of Eye Melanoma?

Lighter Eye Color

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Eye melanoma is a type of cancerous tumor that develops in the cells of the iris or the pigmented part of the eye. Individuals with lighter eye colors have a higher susceptibility to developing eye melanoma because they have less protection against harmful UV rays. When the iris contains more melanin, that melanin helps stop the harmful light from penetrating into the eye. The way melanin works to protect cells from ultraviolet light is by absorbing the UV energy and redirecting it away from healthy cells. Because darker pigments are a result of higher levels of protective melanin, individuals with darker colored eyes have a lower risk of developing eye melanoma than individuals with lighter eyes.

Keep reading for more details on the risk factors for eye melanoma now.

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