Ocular metastasis is the most common intraocular tumor that occurs in the eye. The most common location is the choroid (88% of cases) due to its highly vasculature structure, followed by the iris and the ciliary body. Breast and lung cancers are the most common cancers to metastasize to the choroid. Other less common cancers include gastrointestinal, kidney, prostate, and skin cancer.

Choroidal metastases can be unilateral or bilateral and can often be asymptomatic. The most common presenting symptoms include blurry vision, flashes or floaters, and rarely pain.

If there is concern for metastatic disease, a thorough history and physical should be taken, followed by appropriate laboratory tests and imaging to uncover the primary tumor.

Diagnosis usually relies on a dilated fundus examination by an ophthalmologist or other ophthalmic imaging studies.

Related topic: Metastatic tumors to the orbit