National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Melanoma-associated retinopathy

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a rare autoimmune condition that occurs in some people with melanoma (a type of skin cancer) and can affect the vision. Signs and symptoms of MAR may include night blindness; photopsia (presence of perceived flashes of light); and progressive, painless vision loss. MAR occurs when the body's immune system, in response to melanoma, mistakenly attacks the cells of the retina; however, it is poorly understood why this autoimmune response occurs in some people but not others. There is, unfortunately, no established treatment for MAR. Proposed strategies for treatment include immunosuppressive medications and/or standard treatment of the melanoma (i.e. surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy).[1][2][3]
Last updated: 12/30/2015

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Melanoma-associated retinopathy. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know.

  1. Raj K Maturi, MD. Cancer Associated and Related Autoimmune Retinopathies. Medscape Reference. March 2014; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1227724-overview#a1.
  2. Dabir S, Mangalesh S, Govindraj I, Mallipatna A, Battu R, Shetty R. Melanoma associated retinopathy: A new dimension using adaptive optics. Oman J Ophthalmol. May-Aug 2015; 8(2):125-127.
  3. Audemard A, de Raucourt S, Miocque S, Comoz F, Giraud JM, Dreno B, Bienvenu B, Rogerie MJ, Dompmartin A. Melanoma-associated retinopathy treated with ipilimumab therapy. Dermatology. 2013; 227(2):146-149.