Brown Spots in Eyes: Meaning & Treatment
Eyes often reveal more than we realise. A tiny brown speck on the white of your eye or deeper inside it can stir sudden concern.
June 3, 2025 No Comments
Eyes often reveal more than we realise. A tiny brown speck on the white of your eye or deeper inside it can stir sudden concern. Is it harmless? Or does it hint at something deeper? Let us find out.
A brown spot in eyes may develop slowly over time or be present from birth. It could look like a freckle, dot, or patch, and show up on the white area, iris, or deep inside the eye. These spots can appear due to ageing, sun exposure, or pigment changes. While many are harmless, some may require medical attention.
The medical term often linked to brown spots in eyes is “eye nevi.” These are clusters of pigment cells, melanin that usually stay stable. At times, though they may change in shape, colour, or size. Eye nevi could indicate a need for closer observation.
Brown dots in the eyes can appear in different parts of the eye. They may vary by cause and risk level. Here is a detailed look.
This type appears on the white part of the eye, usually near the cornea. It’s made of pigment-producing cells grouped together under the conjunctiva. Conjunctival nevi are more common in children and young adults. The spot may look flat or slightly raised and could contain cyst-like inclusions. These spots rarely turn cancerous, but regular monitoring helps track changes in colour or shape. Since they are exposed to light, they can darken with age or sun exposure. A conjunctival nevus doesn’t usually cause discomfort or blurry vision. However, they may raise cosmetic concerns for some.
An iris nevus shows up as a brown fleck on the coloured part of the eye. It resembles a freckle and stays flat most of the time. These spots are usually discovered during routine eye exams and tend to remain unchanged for years. The spot forms from an overgrowth of pigment cells. While generally harmless, any rapid growth or distortion in shape may warrant further checks to rule out complications. Iris nevi can affect how the eye looks, but typically don’t cause pain or eye floaters.
Found deep inside the eye, this type of spot lies in the choroid, which is a layer between the retina and the sclera. A choroidal nevus isn’t visible from the outside and is often found during a retinal scan. These spots are usually grey or brown and don’t cause symptoms unless they begin to leak fluid or show signs like subretinal fluid or orange pigment. While most stay stable, a small number may transform into a malignant tumour called melanoma. Regular retina checks and optical imaging are essential to monitor such changes and protect vision.
These small, flat, pigmented areas can form on the conjunctiva or iris. Known as eye freckles or eyeball freckles, they are quite common and usually benign. Unlike moles, these freckles don’t rise above the eye surface. They often result from UV light exposure, much like skin freckles. People with light-coloured eyes may be more prone to developing them. These eyeball freckles don’t usually grow or bleed. Still, they should be reviewed if they begin to spread, darken, or change in shape. Wearing UV-protective sunglasses may help prevent their appearance.
Here are the causes of brown spots inside the eyes.
Most of eye nevi are harmless. Brown mark in the eyes are usually harmless and cause no discomfort or vision loss. However, some spots, particularly those inside the eye, may grow or leak fluid, causing complications. Warning signs include changes in shape, blurred sight, or eye floaters.
If you notice symptoms or sudden darkening of the spot, it’s best to seek medical attention. Rarely, as mentioned earlier, spots may indicate ocular melanoma. Early identification improves outcomes. Regular eye exams remain the safest way to monitor pigment changes and protect your eye health.
Most brown spots need no treatment unless they grow, distort, or start bleeding. Your doctor may suggest photographs or imaging to record and track any changes over time. Laser removal or minor surgery is rare and only done when medically necessary or for cosmetic reasons.
If inflammation is present, anti-inflammatory drops or antibiotics may be prescribed. In cases linked to systemic issues, further investigations will be needed. For patients with ocular melanoma, a treatment plan may include radiation or surgical removal based on tumour size and location.
Removal depends on the cause and severity. Benign spots that don’t grow or bleed are often left alone. When required, doctors may use laser therapy or surgery. Cosmetic reasons are valid, but safety comes first.
Do note that pigmented lesions near the surface may be removed easily. Deeper spots, especially near the retina, need special care. Your ophthalmologist will assess thickness, borders, and any associated symptoms before advising.
Never attempt self-treatment or try alternative remedies. Eye tissue is delicate, and only a trained eye specialist should handle such cases.
A brown spot in the eyeball does not always mean danger, but early detection matters. Ocular melanoma may show up as a dark spot, sudden blur, flashes, or floaters. Some experience no symptoms until the tumour grows.
Doctors use eye exams, ultrasound, fluorescein angiography, or OCT scans to detect changes. These tests help measure the size, shape, and location of the growth.
Monitoring regularly allows early action. If your doctor suspects malignancy, you may be referred to an ocular oncologist for further evaluation and treatment.
Not all brown spots in eyes are cause for alarm. Still, a proper check-up brings peace of mind. Whether it’s a freckle, nevus, or deeper pigment spot, staying informed is key.
At Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and expert care for every type of eye concern.
Our team helps you see better, feel reassured, and stay healthy. If you’ve noticed a change in your eyes, book an appointment today.
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