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question about pigmentation

recently my Doctor mentioned I got pigmentation in both my eyes. Wasn't sure whether to be concern or not. He didn't really make much if it.

Can this lead to anything alarming like cancer?
Also can this pigmentation ever be raised like a acne zit or mole?
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
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Avatar universal
Thanks again, Dr.Hagan
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
No you need not develop lattice in your lifetime. If the normal incidence is 5-9% with your degree of myopia it might be 20%-25%. No one can tell you for sure. I would move it to the "not to worry" column and move on.
JCH MD
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Avatar universal
Hi Dr.Hagan,

Just wanted to know if given this degree of myopia, is it certain that I am going to have lattice at some point in my life, what are my chances of getting a lattice given that my eyesight has stabilized for past 3-4 years and there is no history of retinal detachment, tears or lattice in my family.

Thanks in advance
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Glad to help. JCH MD
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Avatar universal
Thanks a lot your response. Dr. Hagan
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. It is more common to see pigmentation on the peripheral retina than to not see it (if you look for it). So in almost most cases it is normal.
2. Under the retina in a layer of pigment (retinal pigmented epethelium). Over it is the retina. At the periphery the retina is at its thinnest so the dark pigment shows through or the retina does not completely stretch to the very edge (ora serrata) and the pigment is more visible. I have the same situation on both eyes. I see it dozens of times per day and don't mention it in most cases.
3. If it was serious or an implication of something serious your surgeon would have told you.
4. With your degree of myopia I would expect to find some visible peripheral pigment 100% of the time.

JCH MD

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Avatar universal
Hi ,

My retina specialist had found pigmentation at the periphery of my retina in both the eyes. She however told there is nothing to worry and I can come back after an year for annual check up. She also assured me that it had nothing to do with lattice degeneration which occurs generally at periphery of retina in high myopes like me ( -9.25 and -10.D). Had couple of questions

1. Just wanted to know why does this pigmentation happen at the periphery of retina ?
2. For the sake of second opinion, is such a pigmentation indicative of risk of any kind of retinal tear, hole or lattice degeneration ?
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
You are a broken record
1. Yes
2. No

JCH MD
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Avatar universal
Thanks Dr. Hagan.  I will make the call soon.

But last time ( I hate to sound like a broken record ).


1. Is pigmentation normal in the eye?
2. am I risk for cancer?

need to put this to sleep.
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233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Normally "pigment" in the retina is normal just as in the skin. That would not increase the risk of cancer.  If you should worry or were at risk I would expect the Eye MD to tell you. Get some reassurance and move on.

JCH MD
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Avatar universal
Just wanted to know if I'm at any risk.

Thanks

Michael
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Avatar universal
It was an ophthalmologist md I saw and pigmentation was inside the eye (retina I believe). I will make call just to double check.

Question:

But from your knowledge can it lead to some kinda of cancer?
Does it increase my chaces?

Just bit paranoid. I will make that call to make sure...thanks for the help.
Helpful - 0
233488 tn?1310693103
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Pigmentation is normal in all parts of the eye. Assuming you saw an Eye MD ophthalmologist it should have been made quite clear to you where the pigment was and whether it was anything to worry about. If not call and get your answers. If you saw a non-MD optometrist then see an reall MD ophthalmologist.

JCH MD
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Avatar universal
Huh. You made me remember that an ophthalmologist once told me that I had burned away most of the pigmentation at the back of my eye and made me promise to wear sunglasses more. Realistically, it worked; I am much better about wearing sunglasses.
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