topic Re: Freckle in eye ? in Community Chat

Freckle in eye ?

Reever — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:20:31 GMT

I went for an eye exam and the doctor told me I had a small freckle in my eye. I was never aware of this and when I returned home to google it, as read there is a small chance that a freckle can turn into melanoma. Obviously I may shaken up by this. I wish the doctor never mentioned it. I always wear sunglasses outdoors but what else can I do?

Re: Freckle in eye ?

Retiredpsych — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:42:42 GMT

Oh my gosh! my eye doc found a freckle in my eye too the last time I went!!!! Must be an epidemic! I had never heard of such a thing. He did not seem concerned in the least....but now you have told me this I am now worried... I live in SoCal and I wear prescription sunglasses with all the UV protections literally every time I get in the car and am out an about, even when it is cloudy.

Re: Freckle in eye ?

Reever — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 19:49:14 GMT

Since my eye doctor said it was small, he didn't seem worried either. But I am!! So I'm going to ask him to monitor it every year. it's just like a freckle on your skin - 99.9 percent are harmless but they need to be monitored for shape and size changes. It never occurred to me either. Going to be diligent about sunglasses.

Re: Freckle in eye ?

snappyfrappy — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 20:36:59 GMT

DD has this also. It's important to see an ophthalmologist rather than an optometrist. There is a test (and I won't get this spelling right) called a flurosine angiogram which she had. It takes pictures. If the spot is not getting a blood supply, and hers isn't, it's not likely to be a melanoma, but she has yearly tests. Not repeats of the angiogram. BTW, the test is done in the office, is not painful and is quick. My very best to you.

snappy

Re: Freckle in eye ?

Rainbows and Roses — Sun, 23 Mar 2014 02:50:43 GMT

I pray that no one has any issues from the freckle. This is my first time to hear about this but I am aware of Macular hole and Macular puckers.........also cataracts..........

Re: Freckle in eye ?

HiLo — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:09:36 GMT

Even now you could call the Dr. and asked what this means. I have also thought of things I should have asked after the fact; nobody is upset when I call back to inquire.

Re: Freckle in eye ?

151949 — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 17:44:56 GMT

My DH who is 69 has had one of these his entire adult life - it never changes and I understand they are quite common.

Re: Freckle in eye ?

FrostyBabe — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 20:26:15 GMT

I've had one for as long as I can remember. It's no big deal.

Re: Freckle in eye ?

sophiamarie — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 03:22:30 GMT

I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration (freckles) almost two years ago. I see a Retina specialist. In fact, I have an appt. with him on Wednesday..... So far, my eyesight has not changed due to this but I do have cataracts, which I think, are ready....

Re: Freckle in eye ?

hckynut — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 03:58:07 GMT

On 3/22/2014 Reever said: I went for an eye exam and the doctor told me I had a small freckle in my eye. I was never aware of this and when I returned home to google it, as read there is a small chance that a freckle can turn into melanoma. Obviously I may shaken up by this. I wish the doctor never mentioned it. I always wear sunglasses outdoors but what else can I do?

Knowledge is power and I could never understand why people think that not knowing something is better than knowing. Knowing you might be more prone to cancer is worse that not being able to take extra steps suggested by a doctor? Strange to me as I prefer knowing exactly what problems I have or am facing and thus have a chance to increase my odds on the outcome of them.

What else can you do you say? Whatever your doctor suggested along with "quit worrying about it". Worrying about something does nothing positive but does a whole lot when it comes to negativity.

Re: Freckle in eye ?

NYC Susan — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 08:58:19 GMT

I have the same thing, and have had it for a few years. When it was first discovered, it was rechecked every 6 months to be sure it didn't change. Now I have it checked every year. My opthamologist said it's unlikely to change and is more common than people think. At first I was a bit freaked out, but now it's just routine to me and not a big deal at all.

As for wishing the doctor never mentioned it, he has to mention it. And it's better that you know anyway, even if it's not a big deal.

These are are the kind of thing that people live their entire lives without ever knowing that they have it.

(And I just want to add that - as is typical with threads about medical issues - some incorrect/confusing information has been posted here. It's best to ask your own doctor so he can address your particular situation and also so you won't be confused by what others have posted.)