The eye of the beholder: Catching retinoblastoma early

Pages: 881-885
Nirmala Muralidhar (Department of Human Development & Family Empowerment Janki Devi Memorial College, University of Delhi, Delhi)
Dr. Vikas Menon (Consultant, Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery & Ocular Oncology Centre for Sight, New Delhi)

Retinoblastoma is a malignant tumour of the retina that occurs predominantly in young children. Not many people may be aware that a rare type of eye cancer that most commonly affects young children can prove fatal if left untreated. It develops as a mass in the retina (the sensitive lining on the inside of one’s eye) and can be screened with just a smart phone. Children who have the disease often have a white glow in their pupils that shows up when photographed with a flash. Retinoblastoma may occur in one or both eyes of a child. When caught early, retinoblastoma can be successfully treated. Current technology and chemotherapy can help save a child’s life and vision. The disease is usually diagnosed at an average age of 18 months, with 95 per cent of children diagnosed by five years of age. Unlike other cancers, there is less awareness about Retinoblastoma even among the medical practitioners. There is a need to sensitize parents, families, pediatricians as they are the first contact care givers for children. The new technology in smart phones has facilitated early detection and screening of white eye reflex in children even by lay persons. This article is based on a community-based initiative undertaken by a Department of a Delhi University affiliated college to create awareness about signs and symptoms of Retinoblastoma specifically squint and white eye reflex – the two red flags of the disease. The project promoted early detection and screening of Retinoblastoma through flash photography. The initiative was taken ahead by a group of students and faculty of the Department under the advisorship of a senior consultant in Ocular Oncology from a partnering super speciality eye institution based in New Delhi.