Most people are familiar with birthmarks on the skin—those unique spots or patches that appear at birth or shortly after. But did you know that you can also get eye birthmarks?
While less common and often unnoticed, eye birthmarks are real and can vary in appearance, cause, and significance.
In this blog, we’ll explore what eye birthmarks are, why they occur, and when you should seek professional advice.
What are Eye Birthmarks?
A birthmark in the eye is often referred to as a congenital ocular melanocytosis, choroidal nevus, or iris nevus, depending on where it is located and what it is made of. These marks are caused by an overgrowth or concentration of pigment cells (melanocytes) in or around the eye. They can be present at birth or develop shortly after.
There are several types of eye birthmarks:
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- Iris Nevus: A freckle or mole on the iris which is the colored part of the eye.
- Choroidal Nevus: A pigmented spot on the choroid, which is the layer beneath the retina.
- Conjunctival Nevus: A spot on the white part of the eye (sclera) or its covering membrane (conjunctiva).
- Ocular Melanocytosis: A more widespread pigmentation involving the sclera and uvea.
What Causes Eye Birthmarks?
Like skin birthmarks, the exact cause of eye birthmarks isn’t fully understood, but they are believed to be due to genetics and the way pigment cells develop during gestation. Most are benign (non-cancerous), and many people never realize they have one unless it’s noticed during a routine eye exam or by a close-up photograph.
Are Eye Birthmarks Dangerous?
In most cases, eye birthmarks are harmless and don’t affect vision. However, because they involve pigment cells, which have the potential to change over time, regular monitoring is important.
Here are a few things to consider:
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- Stable and Benign: Most eye birthmarks remain the same size and shape for years without causing any problems.
- Potential for Change: Rarely, some types—especially choroidal nevi—can transform into malignant melanoma (a type of eye cancer). That’s why eye doctors monitor them for changes in size, thickness, or color.
- Vision Impact: If a birthmark is located in a sensitive area, like near the optic nerve or in the macula (the center of the retina), it might affect vision. However, this is uncommon.
Signs to Watch For
Although most eye birthmarks are benign, you should seek an eye doctor’s opinion if you notice:
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- A new dark spot in your eye
- A change in the size, shape, or color of an existing eye spot
- Blurry vision or visual disturbances (such as floaters or flashes)
- Discomfort or inflammation in the eye
If a birthmark is discovered during an eye exam, your eye doctor may take baseline photos or perform imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound to monitor any changes over time.
Signs to Watch For
Although most eye birthmarks are benign, you should seek an eye doctor’s opinion if you notice:
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- A new dark spot in your eye
- A change in the size, shape, or color of an existing eye spot
- Blurry vision or visual disturbances (such as floaters or flashes)
- Discomfort or inflammation in the eye
If a birthmark is discovered during an eye exam, your eye doctor may take baseline photos or perform imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or ultrasound to monitor any changes over time.
How Are Eye Birthmarks Treated?
In most cases, no treatment is needed for an eye birthmark. Regular monitoring through annual eye exams is usually enough to ensure it remains stable.
If the birthmark begins to grow or shows suspicious changes, your eye doctor may refer you to an ocular oncologist—a specialist in eye tumors. Advanced testing or treatment (such as laser therapy or radiation) may be recommended if there’s a risk of malignancy.
Can You See a Birthmark in the Eye?
Sometimes, yes. An iris nevus (on the colored part of the eye) can look like a small freckle or mole. Conjunctival nevi may look like a pigmented spot on the white part of the eye. Choroidal nevi, located deeper inside the eye, are usually not visible without specialized instruments.
Photographs or close examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist are typically needed to detect and document most internal eye birthmarks.
Living with an Eye Birthmark
Having a birthmark in your eye is typically not a cause for concern. In fact, many people live their entire lives with an eye nevus without any issues. Here are a few tips for living well and staying proactive:
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- Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Especially if you have been diagnosed with an eye birthmark. Early detection of any changes is key.
- Protect Your Eyes from UV Light: Just like skin, your eyes are affected by sunlight. The risk of pigmented cell changes may be reduced by wearing eyewear that provide 100% UV protection.
- Know Your Family History: If eye conditions or cancers run in your family, share that information with your eye doctor.
Conclusion
Eye birthmarks are fascinating and usually harmless features that remind us how unique our bodies are—even in the smallest places. While they are typically nothing to worry about, awareness and routine eye care are important. Your eyes are not only a window to the universe, but also to your health.
If you have not previously undergone a comprehensive eye exam or if it has been some time since your most recent appointment, it is an ideal opportunity to arrange one. An eye exam can detect more than just vision problems—it might reveal hidden conditions like an eye birthmark that deserves a second look.
Schedule an appointment today with our eye doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Porter and his associates.
Our experienced eye doctors in Crystal Lake and Algonquin, IL, are dedicated to providing exceptional eye checkups to residents of Crystal Lake, Algonquin, Illinois, and surrounding areas.
Walmart Vision Center Crystal Lake, IL
815-477-4053
Walmart Vision Center Algonquin, IL
847-458-5796
