Stage III is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC. In stage IIIA, to remove all of the tumor, the whole eye and part of the optic nerve must be removed. The bone, muscles, fat, and connective tissue around the eye may also be removed. In stage IIIB, the tumor may be anywhere in or near the eye and has spread to nearby lymph nodes. In stage IIIC, the tumor has spread to structures around the eye or in the face, or to the brain, and cannot be removed in surgery.