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BerryFarmsEyeCare

Dr. Jana Crim

(615) 905-8190

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  • What Are Eye Freckles and Are They Harmless?

What Are Eye Freckles and Are They Harmless?

  • Created in Newsletters

Woman with eye freckles

Are Eye Freckles a Reason to Worry?

Freckles can appear anywhere on your body, including your eyes. Although eye freckles are often harmless, they can be a sign of cancer in some cases.

How Do Eye Freckles Form?

A freckle develops when melanocytes clump together in your eye. Melanocytes are cells that give your hair, eyes, and skin their color. Freckles are particularly common in the iris, the colored part of your eye. In fact, about half of all people have flecks of color in their irises, according to WebMD.

You may also have a slightly bigger type of freckle called a nevus (or nevi if you have more than one). Freckles on your skin are usually brown, but nevi can be brown, yellow, or gray. They may also be made up of multiple colors. Nevi can be present at birth or develop later in life.

What Parts of the Eye Do Nevi Have an Effect On?

Nevi can appear in these parts of your eye:

  • Choroid. These nevi are located under the retina, the layer of light-sensing cells at the back of the eye. Although you cannot see a choroidal nevus by looking in the mirror, your optometrist can see it when he or she looks in your eyes during an eye examination. A choroid nevus could be a sign that you have melanoma, a form of skin cancer, although that's usually not the case. In fact, only 1 in 500 choroidal nevi become cancerous in 10 years, according to the Ocular Melanoma Foundation.
  • Iris. Iris nevi are larger than iris freckles and are found in the stroma, one of the layers that make up the iris. These freckles sometimes get bigger, although they're usually not cancerous.
  • Conjunctiva. A nevus may also appear in the conjunctiva, the clear layer of tissue that covers the inside of your eyelids and the whites of your eyes. These nevi are usually harmless but could become cancerous.

How Are Eye Freckles Treated?

In most cases, there's no need to treat an eye freckle. Your optometrist will monitor your freckle to make sure that it has not gotten any bigger. If that happens, your eye doctor may recommend a few tests that will determine if the nevus has become cancerous. Tests may also be needed if a choroidal nevus turns orange, becomes raised, or begins to leak fluid, as these symptoms could be signs of melanoma, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Surgery can be used to remove nevi, although eye doctors like to avoid removal if possible, as a surgical procedure could damage your eyesight. Laser therapy and radiation can be helpful in treating cancerous freckles.

Be sure to let your optometrist know if you notice a change in a freckle, you are having trouble with your vision, or you are seeing flashing lights. Don't wait for your annual eye examination to report these changes. Call the eye doctor's office right away.

How Can I Prevent Eye Freckles?

Although most eye freckles can't be prevented, there's a possibility that ultraviolet light could play a role in the development of choroidal nevi, according to the AAO.

Wearing sunglasses year-round is a simple way to reduce your risk. Look for sunglasses that block both ultraviolet A and B rays. Wrap-around styles offer the best protection from the effects of the sun.

Are you concerned about an eye freckle? Give our office a call and we'll arrange a convenient appointment for you.

Sources:

American Academy of Ophthalmology: Nevus (Eye Freckle), 10/28/20

WebMD: What Are Eye Freckles?, 8/6/19

Ocular Melanoma Foundation: Understanding Choroidal Nevi

  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Age-Related
    • Eye Lids
    • Cognitive and Acquired
    • Vision Impairment
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
  • Contact Lenses
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    • Eyeglass Lenses
  • Eye Symptoms
  • How the Eyes Work
    • Basic Visual Skills
  • Pediatric Vision
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Vision Problems
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives
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    • Conditions That Affect Vision
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    • Glasses & Frames

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Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

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Your opinions matter

  • ""Who knew in this day and age that you could actually find a Doctor (the entire practice) that actually makes the patient their primary focus. After much frustration with my current provider I stumbled across Dr. Crim and boy did I get lucky. The staff's attention to detail, quality of service, and genuineness shines through. If you are looking for top notch care and great service look no further than Berry Farms EyeCare...trust me!!""
    Craig E.
  • ""Dr. Jana and staff are awesome! They make me feel at home each time I visit. They are an asset to Berry Farms and the surrounding area. We will use them as long as they'll let us!""
    Cody W.
  • ""Stop in and visit Dr. Jana Crim @ her brand new location if you are in the market for eyewear or contacts lenses! I just went there and I am very pleased with my new glasses. Great staff, selection and fast service! Go and 'see' for yourself.""
    David D.
  • ""My college senior walked on over to Dr. Jana during spring break and they fixed him all up with a new prescription and contacts! And Mikki was awesome helping get him in when he was home during break. I don't think he will ever go to the beach again for break when he can get his eyes examined at BF Eyecare instead!!""
    Matt B.
  • ""LOVED my experience here. Honestly, the best eye exam I've ever had. The staff was so kind, the exam was very thorough. Dr. Crim took her time with me and explained all kinds of things about my eye health that I hadn't heard before. I can't recommend Berry Farms EyeCare enough!
    The also give free infant eye exams (up to 1 year old)!""
    Hanna S.
  • ""I want to give a shout out to Berry Farms Eyecare if anybody is in need of a new eye doctor in the Franklin area they are amazing. We had to make an emergency trip there we called on the way there doctor was not in. They called her and she drove in just to see us and she took great care of us and they were all amazing. They have a beautiful office as well.""
    Stacy H.
  • ""Love! Love! Love! Dr. Jana and Mikki not only helped me but they did a fabulous job giving my 6 month old his first eye exam. I've been in glasses for over 20 years and this was the best experience with an eye doctor I've ever had! The office is beautiful and you can tell they really care about their patients!""
    Kayla C.
  • ""I absolutely love my new glasses! And am so happy to be able to walk to my neighborhood eye doctor. Dr. Jana and her team are fabulous and got me seeing clearly!""
    Deb M.
  • ""Love Berry Farms EyeCare!! Just Fabulous!!""
    Jennifer J.
  • ""Dr. Jana & her staff are courteous and very helpful. I had a terrific experience from start to finish; leaving with an order for 3 pairs of glasses as well. I was most impressed with what other had to say about their experience there and Dr. Jana's caring personality. The facility is beautiful inside as well. A+ across the board!""
    Stuart P.
  • ""Berry Farms EyeCare was absolutely wonderful! I was able to get in quickly. They were so friendly and helpful. I will definitely be a returning patient and will recommend them to others""
    Danielle S.
  • ""Great service, great selection, awesome staff, beautiful office space- what more can you ask for?!?!""
    Betsy T.
  • ""My family had a fantastic experience at Berry Farms eye care!! The office is gorgeous and the staff was wonderful!""
    April B.
  • ""This place is amazing! I had an eye issue this morning and Dr. Crim saw me before they even opened for the day. The medicine I needed for my eye was sold out at Publix and she took the time to call many pharmacies for me. Talk about customer service! The space is beautiful and staff is friendly. I'm so excited they have joined the berry farms community and excited to not have to battle the cool springs traffic.""
    Rachel L.
  • ""Dr Crim and her staff are fabulous! Very friendly, no wait time, I received a thorough exam, and my contacts were quickly delivered to my home. The new office is gorgeous and very welcoming. Highly recommend Berry Farms EyeCare.""
    Ashley F.
  • ""I'm a new patient at Dr. Crim's office and I have to say that this was the most pleasant appointment I've ever had. The practice was clean and well put together as well as the service. I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Crim ( and staff ). Well done!""
    William F.
  • "Have been suffering from eye strain headaches. Just happened to read about Dr. Crim in an article. To say I am pleased I did is an understatement. From scheduling to the appt & f/up to get my glasses, everything especially the Dr was unbeatable. It's nice when you can tell someone cares & really wants to help. I am very pleased with my new glasses. If you haven't explored the businesses at Berry Farms, give this one a try. You won't regret it. (Review shortened due to space allotment)"
    Nicki R.
  • ""Had the most amazing experience yesterday! Took all 3 kids - in and out in less than an hour. Wonderful customer service! Would highly recommend!""
    J. Cleaver
  • ""Super personalable, they were able to work me to an appointment quick. Would totally recommend to anyone needing eyecare. They listened to me and they answered all my questions.""
    Olivia C.
  • ""Dr Crim took her time with my eye exam and explained everything she did. It was the best eye exam I had ! Dr. Crim staff was awesome too .""
    Pat M.

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