Oculodermal Melanocytosis

Images above belong to a 70-year-old patient with oculodermal melanocytosis, also called nevus of Ota. This condition is associated with hyperpigmentation and can predispose to uveal melanomas. Discoloration usually appears as pigmented patches on the sclera and eyelids (red arrows). It is seen more often in women than men and in those of Asian or African descent. This condition can lead to open angle glaucoma (OAG) if the trabecular meshwork (the tissue located at the base of the cornea responsible for draining aqueous humor from the eye) is involved. Upon examination, although there was a diffuse nevus in her left choroid, she showed no signs of OAG or choroidal melanoma. Her visual acuity measured to be 20/20 in the right eye and 20/32 in the left. She was asked to return in 1 year for continued monitoring.