What causes eye tumors?

Eye tumors in adults are usually the result of another cancer spreading to the eyes. Breast, prostate, bowel, and lung cancer are especially associated with eye tumors, which are then considered secondary tumors.

There are certain eye tumors that directly affect the eyes. Primary eye tumors in adults are melanomas. While eye tumors are rare in children, they can occur. In children, such primary eye tumors are called retinoblastomas.