This week, the spotlight is on an important childhood eye disease, Retinoblastoma. It is the commonest eye cancer in young children. It may affect one or both eyes. The first sign is often an abnormal glow or a white speck in the child’s eye. This is most noticeable in the dark, at night or in photographs. Others include an abnormal deviation of the eye (squint), a red painful eye, a protruding eye, or pus or blood in the eye.

While advancement in the management of retinoblastoma has made it possible even to salvage some useful vision in developed climes, it can still be a death sentence in developing countries.

If untreated, retinoblastoma eventually leads to total destruction and bulging of the eye. The cancer may then spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, liver and bones. Early detection is therefore key in managing retinoblastoma. It could literally mean the difference between life and death!

Learn more about retinoblastoma here and here.

PS: A white speck or glow in a child’s eye is never a good thing and should be never be ignored. An eye doctor should evaluate the child as soon as possible. Remember, “If it’s white, it’s definitely not right”.

#Retinoblastoma #RetinoblastomaAwareness #eyehealth #childeyehealth #blindness