A choroidal nevus is a typically benign (non-cancerous) pigmented spot inside the eye. It forms in the choroid, a vascular layer beneath the retina. Many people have no symptoms, and it is often found during a routine dilated eye exam. In eye care, it is commonly discussed as a finding that may need documentation and monitoring over time.

A nevus is a benign (non-cancerous) growth made up of pigment-producing cells. It is often called a “mole” on the skin, but it can also occur in and around the eye. In eye care, nevus most commonly describes a pigmented spot in the conjunctiva, iris, or choroid. Clinicians use the term to document findings and guide monitoring for change over time.

A conjunctival papilloma is a usually benign (non-cancerous) growth on the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue covering the white of the eye and inner eyelids. It often looks like a small, raised, fleshy or frond-like bump on the eye surface. The term is commonly used in eye clinics when describing and diagnosing surface lesions seen at the slit-lamp exam. It is also used in pathology reports after a lesion is sampled or removed and examined under a microscope.

ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a group of abnormal growths that arise from the squamous (flat) surface cells of the eye. It most often affects the conjunctiva (the clear membrane over the white of the eye) and the limbus (the border where conjunctiva meets cornea). It is a clinical term used in eye care to describe a spectrum from pre-cancerous changes to invasive cancer on the eye surface. Clinicians use it when evaluating, diagnosing, and treating suspicious ocular surface lesions.

conjunctival squamous neoplasia is an umbrella term for abnormal growth of squamous (flat) cells on the conjunctiva, the clear tissue covering the white of the eye. It includes a spectrum from pre-cancerous surface changes to more invasive squamous cell cancer. Clinicians use the term when describing suspicious ocular surface lesions, especially near the limbus (the border of the cornea). It is commonly discussed in eye clinics, pathology reports, and ocular oncology care.

ocular lymphoma is a type of cancer in which lymphoma cells involve the eye or tissues around the eye. It can affect structures inside the eye (like the vitreous and retina) or the “ocular adnexa” (eyelid, orbit, lacrimal gland, and conjunctiva). The term is used in ophthalmology, optometry, pathology, radiology, and oncology when evaluating eye symptoms that may reflect a systemic or localized lymphoma. This overview is informational and explains concepts and typical clinical workflows in general terms.

retinoblastoma is a cancer that starts in the retina, the light-sensing tissue lining the back of the eye. It most often affects infants and young children. It is commonly discussed in pediatric ophthalmology, ocular oncology, and genetics. It is managed using combinations of eye exams, imaging, and treatments aimed at protecting life and, when possible, vision.

conjunctival melanoma is a rare malignant tumor that arises from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the thin, clear tissue that covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. This condition is most commonly discussed in eye oncology and ocular surface disease care. It is evaluated and managed by ophthalmologists, often with specialist input when needed.

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uveal melanoma is a cancer that starts inside the eye in a layer called the uvea. It develops from pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) and can affect vision. It is most often discussed in ophthalmology, eye oncology, and retinal care settings. It is commonly identified during a dilated eye exam or imaging done for a suspicious spot in the eye.

A prosthetic eye is an artificial eye used to replace the appearance of a missing natural eye. It is designed to look like the other eye, but it does not restore vision. It is commonly used after eye removal surgery or when an eye has become very small and non-seeing. It is fitted and maintained with help from an ophthalmology team and an ocularist (a specialist who makes eye prostheses).

exenteration is a major eye and orbit surgery that removes the contents of the eye socket (orbit). It is most often used to treat serious disease affecting tissues around the eye, especially aggressive cancers. It can also be used in rare, severe infections or destructive conditions when other treatments are unlikely to control the problem. Because it is a life- and tissue-altering operation, planning and follow-up are central parts of care.

evisceration is an eye removal surgery used when an eye cannot be saved and vision is already lost. It removes the internal contents of the eye while leaving the outer white wall (the sclera) in place. It is most commonly used in ophthalmology to relieve pain, treat severe infection, or address irreversible eye damage. It is different from other eye-removal procedures because key outer structures are preserved.

enucleation is a surgery to remove the entire eyeball (globe) from the eye socket. It is most commonly used in severe eye disease, major trauma, or certain eye cancers. The eyelids and surrounding skin are not removed in enucleation. After healing, many people use an ocular prosthesis (artificial eye) for appearance.

retrobulbar hemorrhage is bleeding that collects behind the eyeball inside the orbit. It can increase pressure within the eye socket and affect vision. The term is commonly used in emergency care, trauma care, and postoperative eye surgery monitoring. Clinicians also discuss it as a potential complication of orbital procedures and injections.

cantholysis is a surgical release of the tendon at the corner of the eyelids (the canthus). It is most commonly discussed as part of emergency care for sudden, dangerous eye socket pressure. Clinicians also use it in selected eyelid and orbital procedures to change eyelid tension or access tissues. The goal is to protect eye function or improve surgical exposure by reducing tightness at the eyelid corner.

canthotomy is a minor surgical cut made at the outer corner of the eyelids (the lateral canthus). canthotomy is most commonly used as an emergency eye procedure to relieve dangerous pressure around the eye. canthotomy is often discussed alongside **cantholysis**, which further releases tight eyelid tissues. canthotomy is used in emergency departments, trauma care, and ophthalmology settings when time matters for vision.

chalazion incision and curettage is a minor eyelid procedure used to treat a chalazion. A chalazion is a firm eyelid lump caused by blockage and inflammation of an oil gland. The procedure opens the lesion and removes the thickened contents to help it resolve. It is commonly performed by ophthalmologists, and sometimes by trained clinicians in eye-care settings.

A lacrimal gland tumor is an abnormal growth involving the lacrimal gland, the tear-producing gland in the outer (temple-side) upper orbit. It is a diagnostic term used in eye care and orbital medicine to describe a mass that may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It is commonly discussed in ophthalmology, oculoplastics (eyelid/orbit surgery), radiology, and pathology. It often presents as swelling in the upper outer eyelid area or a change in eye position.

lymphangioma is a benign (non-cancerous) malformation of lymphatic vessels. It is often present from birth, even if it becomes noticeable later. Around the eye, it can involve the eyelid, conjunctiva, or orbit (the eye socket). The term is commonly used in ophthalmology, radiology, and pathology reports.