David's Story

David had routine exams on his eyes every year, but on the last one in January 2008, something was different. Several days prior to the eye exam he noted an occasional fluttering of lights in the upper edge of his right eye. He thought nothing of it, and did not even think he needed to see an eye doctor, but it was time for his annual visit. The doctor he saw for that routine exam noted something on the back of his eye and immediately referred him to a retina specialist, who told David he had a melanoma on his retina.

David came to Mass. Eye and Ear for a second opinion, but was satisfied with what was used for treatment here. He had surgery where the tantalum rings were sewed around the tumor, as markers for proton beam treatments. Two weeks later, as his eye healed some from surgery, David underwent five proton beam treatments.

David’s surgery and treatments went well. He lives two hours away by car, so aside from a long ride, his treatments went well, but he decided not to go to work until they were completed. Today, he continues to do well, and his vision has continued to be the same as it was before he had treatment. The only problem he has experienced has been dry eyes on occasion, for which he is able to use over the counter eye drops. David continues to work and drive a car and enjoy his family.