Eye naevus (Eye freckle)

You may have always noticed an unusual brown mark on your eye and wondered what it is. This may be an eye naevus (eye freckle).

Keep reading to learn more about the causes and treatment for an eye freckle as we answer some common questions about this condition.

What is an eye naevus (eye freckle)?

An eye naevus, or an eye freckle, is a coloured growth found on the eye. There can be one or more freckles found in either one or both eyes. They can also vary in size and shape.

Naevus is the technical term for a mole, so an eye naevus is similar to a mole on your skin. The plural of naevus is naevi.

Most are usually harmless and asymptomatic. However, they do need to be monitored because there is a slight chance they can develop into melanoma (a type of cancer).

Locations in the eye

The type of eye naevus depends on where it is located.

Conjunctival naevus

This is a common type of eye naevus. A conjunctival naevus is a freckle on the clear gel film covering your eye called the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva contains two layers, including tissue on the outer layer of the eye (epithelium) and supportive connective tissue underneath (stroma). The conjunctival freckle develops either in these layers or where they meet together.

The conjunctiva covers the whites of the eye, so you’ll likely spot them on this part of the eye.

The freckle can appear raised or flat. Colours can range from yellow to brown and can darken or lighten over time. There are different types of conjunctival naevus, depending on the freckle’s location in the conjunctiva.

Usually, they are not a cause for concern and are benign, but you may be dissatisfied with their appearance generally. Others can become cancerous and need to be removed. We will be able to identify which one you may have, and this can help inform us about the appropriate treatment option for you. We will discuss this further in our initial consultation.

Iris naevus/freckle

An iris naevus/freckle is a dark spot on the coloured part of the eye (iris). It can occur more on the surface of the iris and look like tiny, dark brown flecks or grow deeper in a part of the iris (called the stroma) and can grow larger with time.

They are harmless and usually don’t develop into melanoma.

Choroidal naevus

A choroidal naevus is a freckle at the back or inner part of the eye. It is found under the retina in a tissue layer called choroid.

Causes

An eye naevus is a collection of melanocytes (cells that help produce melanin) that clump together to form a brown lesion in the eye. You can either be born with a freckle, caused by genetic conditions, or develop a growth over time.

Some factors may make you more susceptible to developing an eye naevus. If you are Caucasian, you are more likely to develop naevi than other ethnicities.

Research has also found that there may be a correlation between overexposure to ultraviolet light (UV) and the development of eye naevi. We recommend wearing sunglasses to help protect your eyes from UV light. Read our blog to learn the best sunglasses for protecting your eyesight.

Diagnosis

An eye naevus is usually discovered during a routine eye examination. Occasionally, your eye specialist may use imaging technology like optical coherence tomography (OCT) to examine your freckle more closely, like in the case of choroidal naevus.

We will keep records of pictures of your eye naevus to assess any visual changes in size or shape that may happen over time.

Your eye naevus can change over time and can develop into melanoma. It’s important to have it checked with eye tests regularly. Book a general eye assessment with Oculase to check your eye health today.

Treatment

Eye freckles are usually harmless and don’t often need treatment or removal. They don’t affect your vision or cause any health issues.

However, if the freckle is found to be malignant, we will consider a biopsy or removing your eye naevus completely to eliminate any presence of cancer. Eye freckles can also be removed for cosmetic purposes.

Find out more about eye freckle treatment here.

Book an appointment

Book an appointment with our eye specialist to receive a thorough assessment of your eye.

We will arrange any necessary tests to determine the type of eye freckle you have so we can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.

Book Consultation

Please complete the form or call us on the number below:

0330 128 1616

Our clinic sites are regulated by The Care Quality Commission (CQC)

FAQs

Naevi are benign lesions, so they are not cancerous. Rarely, naevi can develop into melanoma, as the collection of cells becomes cancerous.

Iris melanomas are typically larger and more vascular than iris naevi. However, it can be difficult to distinguish between the two visually. Speak to us if you have any concerns regarding your eye freckle(s).

It is important to go to regular eye examinations, regardless of whether you have an eye naevus. If you do have a freckle, we recommend it should be monitored with repeat checks every 12-18 months (especially if you have large choroidal naevus).

To protect your eyes from UV rays, you should wear sunglasses to help shield your vision. If necessary, wear safety glasses as instructed.

It’s essential to look after your eyes, so if you notice any changes in vision or discomfort, contact an eye specialist.

You cannot prevent eye freckles that you are born with.

Protecting your eyes prevents the chances of an eye naevus developing as you age.

An eye naevus is rarely cancerous, and many people are born with a benign melanocytic tumour or lesion (harmless eye naevi).

There is no evidence that computer light or long periods in front of a computer cause eye freckles. However, prolonged periods in front of a screen can lead to other eye issues such as myopia (nearsightedness), dry eye syndrome, or presbyopia (long-sightedness).