Once upon a time life was simple; eyes harbouring melanomas were enucleated, a prosthesis provided, and the patient was discharged with the knowledge that some would survive, while others would be less fortunate. How life has changed. In the past few decades there has been a proliferation of techniques aimed at destroying the primary uveal tumour while retaining the eye and useful vision. In some instances the new modality is merely an improvement on an existing technique—for example, the replacement of cobalt plaques with other, less destructive isotopes such as iodine or ruthenium. However, occasionally, techniques are reported which represent a significant departure from conventional thinking.

In this issue (p 213) Damato and his co-workers present the preliminary results of the treatment of choroidal melanomas by internal or endoresection. This technique, which has …