Can eye cancer be prevented?

Because we do not yet know what causes most cancers of the eye, it is not possible to know how to prevent them.

There is a known link between sunlight and melanomas of the skin. To reduce risk of these cancers, the American Cancer Society recommends limiting exposure to intense sunlight, covering up with protective hats and clothing, and using sunscreen. The American Cancer Society also recommends wearing UV-protected sunglasses when outside in strong sunlight. Wrap-around sunglasses with 99% to 100% UVA and UVB absorption provide the best protection for the eyes and the surrounding areas. This may help reduce the risk of developing cancers of the skin around the eyes. The link between sunlight and eye melanomas is not proven, but some doctors think that sunglasses might also reduce eye melanoma risk.

Many people with eye lymphoma have no recognized risk factors for this disease. For now, the only way to reduce the risk of eye lymphoma is to try to avoid immune system problems.

Do we know what causes eye cancer?

During the past few years, scientists have made great progress in understanding how certain changes in a person's DNA can cause cells to become cancerous. DNA is the chemical in each of our cells that makes up our genes, the instructions for how our cells function. We usually look like our parents because they are the source of our DNA. However, DNA affects more than how we look. It also can influence our risk for developing certain diseases, such as some kinds of cancer.

Some genes contain instructions for controlling when cells grow and divide. Genes that promote cell division are calledoncogenes. Genes that slow down cell division or cause cells to die at the right time are called tumor suppressor genes. Cancers can be caused by DNA changes that turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes.

Some people with cancer have DNA changes they inherited from a parent that increase their risk for the disease. Usually, however, these DNA changes are acquired during life rather than inherited before birth.

Scientists have found several changes in oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in cells from eye cancers such as melanoma and lymphoma. However, they are still not certain why these changes occur in some people, exactly how the changes occur, and how the changes might cause or promote cancer formation.