OBJECTIVE: In the white population, an association between oculo(dermal) 
melanocytosis (ODM) and uveal melanoma is well recognized. However, the lifetime 
prevalence of uveal melanoma in the ODM population is not known. This study was 
designed to determine the lifetime prevalence of uveal melanoma among patients 
with ocular melanocytosis.
DESIGN: Fifty-six white patients manifesting ODM with uveal melanoma formed the 
basis of the study.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Published prevalence rates of ODM and uveal melanoma were 
used for calculations using Bayes' theorem.
RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of uveal melanoma in white patients with ODM is 
estimated to be 2.6 x 10(-3). The median age at diagnosis of uveal melanoma in 
the ODM population was similar to a randomly selected population (60.5 years and 
62.5 years, respectively). In the vast majority of patients (90%) with 
ODM-associated uveal melanoma, the uveal melanoma was diagnosed between the ages 
of 31 years and 80 years.
CONCLUSIONS: One of about 400 patients with ODM followed for life is estimated 
to develop uveal melanoma. Excessive melanocytes in the uveal tract in ODM may 
provide the biologic basis for susceptibility to the development of uveal 
melanoma. Patients with ODM should be monitored ophthalmoscopically, especially 
during the susceptible period, for the development of uveal melanoma. The 
authors suggest that a national registry of ODM patients be created and 
prospective data collected to better assess the risk of developing uveal 
melanoma.