Ocular melanosis

Ocular melanosis
Other namesOcular melanocytosis or Melanosis oculi or Nevus of Ota
SpecialtyOphthalmology

Ocular melanosis (OM) is a blue-gray and/or brown lesion of the conjunctiva that can be separated into benign conjunctival epithelial melanosis (BCEM) and primary acquired melanosis (PAM), of which the latter is considered a risk factor for uveal melanoma.[1] The disease is caused by an increase of melanocytes in the iris, choroid, and surrounding structures. Overproduction of pigment by these cells can block the trabecular meshwork through which fluid drains from the eye. The increased fluid in the eye leads to increased pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. In humans, this is sometimes known as pigment dispersion syndrome.[2]

  1. ^ Salmon, John F. (2020). Kanski's clinical ophthalmology: a systematic approach (Ninth ed.). Edinburgh. ISBN 978-0-7020-7713-5. OCLC 1131846767.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  2. ^ Gelatt, Kirk N., ed. (1999). Veterinary Ophthalmology (3rd ed.). Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0-683-30076-8.