In some cases a doctor may watch the patient carefully without treatment until the cancer begins to grow. Surgery is the most common treatment of intraocular melanoma. Iridotrabeculectomy removes parts of the iris and the supporting tissues around the cornea, the clear layer covering the front of the eye. Iridocyclectomy removes parts of the iris and the ciliary body. Choroidectomy removes parts of the choroid.
Enucleation removes the entire eye.
In intraocular melanoma, internal radiation may be put next to the eye using small implants called plaques. Radiation can be used alone or in combination with surgery. Photocoagulation is a treatment that uses a tiny beam of light, usually from a laser, to destroy blood vessels and kill the tumor. The choice of treatment depends on where the cancer is in the eye, how far it has spread, and the patient's general health and age. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered.