Today's topic is - 'RETINOBLASTOMA'
So what is Retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma (Rb) affects one in every 20,000 babies born each year and it is the most common malignant tumour of the eye in children. It accounts for 3% of all childhood cancers and can occur either unilaterally or bilaterally and generally develops before the first five year's of life. Tumours develop in the retinal cells which are developing rapidly in early life. The process of cell development continues throughout infancy and the retina is fully developed at approximately five years of age. It is a life-threatening disease but 98% of children survive retinoblastoma in the UK. Over the past four decades, the management of this disease has evolved tremendously, changing from a deadly childhood cancer to a largely curable disease.
Although this cancer has very high survival rates, many children live with the consequences of a delayed diagnosis. Late diagnosis for a child with 'Rb' can mean the loss of one or both eyes, life with an artificial eye, a visual impairment or, in some cases, complete blindness. Unfortunately because most cases are not picked up early enough about 80% of children affected will have an eye removed.
What are the early signs of Retinoblastoma?
There are a couple of things that could indicate the presence of 'Rb' and both of them relate directly to the eyes themselves. Sometimes all you need is a photograph.
The most common sign of retinoblastoma is a white glow in the pupil of the eye, which can look like a 'cat's eye' in a photograph, especially when there is a 'red eye' look in the other eye. The 'glow' is caused by the light reflecting off the tumour at the back of the baby's eye. Sometimes the iris (the coloured part) may change colour.
Another common sign is a child with a 'squint', where one of the eyes is turning in a different direction to the other.
What should I do if I notice any of these signs?
If you think you have noticed any of these early signs please consult a professional immediately. The early signs can sometimes indicate something far less serious, but they should still be investigated immediately.
Our Optometrists are trained to look for Retinoblastoma and will be able to carry out the necessary checks. However, if we are unable to see a child presenting these symptoms that day, we will always stress the importance of seeing your GP, or visiting your nearest eye hospital that same day.
Thank you for taking the time to read this weeks blog.
Lynne Fernandes Optometrists.
