Iris color as a prognostic factor in ocular melanoma

Abstract

Background: Ocular melanoma may be more prevalent among patients with light irises than those with dark irises. Objective: To examine a large clinical series of patients with intraocular melanoma to determine if light irises are associated with increased risk of death from these tumors. Methods: A total of 1162 patients treated with proton irradiation between 1984 and 1996 were observed through 1997. Results: Iris color in the patients was blue or gray in 48%, green or hazel in 30%, and brown in 23%. Tumors in patients with blue or gray irises were less heavily pigmented (P