Ocular and oculodermal melanocytosis

Abstract

Thirty-three cases of ocular (27) or oculodermal (6) melanocytosis were reviewed to determine the ocular structures involved by the melanocytic hyperpigmentation. The hyperpigmentation was clinically documented to involve all quadrants of the eye in the majority of the subjects; however, nine persons had sectorial involvement. The choroid and episclera were involved diffusely or sectorially in all the subjects, and the anterior chamber angle and iris were involved in most cases. The conjunctiva, lens and optic disc were less frequently involved. Ten persons had a uveal malignant melanoma in the hyperpigmented eye, and in three of the cases the melanoma had arisen in the hyperpigmented sector. Melanocytic involvement of the trabecular meshwork was not clinically correlated with elevated intraocular pressure.