Ocular Melanoma and Routine Ophthalmoscopy

August 6, 2008

Noah Klein, MD

Noah Klein, MD, PC

Ocular Melanoma and Routine Ophthalmoscopy

I examined a 50 year old healthy woman today who came in for stronger reading glasses.  Because she had not had a dilated eye exam (ophthalmoscopy) for years I dilated her pupils and found a melanoma in her left eye. I referred her immediately to an ocular tumor specialist.  With prompt modern treatment she stands an excellent chance of retaining her eyesight and surviving this cancer.

If I had not performed this “routine ophthalmoscopy” today she would not have been referred promptly to an ocular tumor specialist.  Instead the cancer in her eye would grow and perhaps lead to blindness in one eye, removal of the eye, or even death from metastatic disease.

I have seen many diseases of the back of the eye such as retinal detachments, macular degeneration and cancerous tumors. Many were detected with routine ophthalmoscopy.

Insurance companies refuse to pay ophthalmologists to perform “routine ophthalmoscopy.”  I suggest that when you see your ophthalmologist (Eye MD) you ask for this test and agree to pay for it out-of pocket. It could save your sight and maybe even your life.

There are 1400 new cases of ocular melanoma in the United States every year.

I hope you found this post helpful.

Dr. Noah Klein

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