Preserving vision in retinoblastoma through early detection and intervention

Abstract

The most frequent neoplasm of the eye in children is retinoblastoma. It is a rare disease with an average incidence of 1 in 14,000 to 18,000 live births. The incidence is greater in developing countries. Early detection may allow widespread use of eye-sparing treatments, minimizing the morbidity of this disease. Although leukocoria is usually the first sign that parents notice especially when a flash photograph is taken, the diagnosis is not performed since this presentation is not known by health care providers and the public. Improving public awareness and knowledge of the early signs may lead to early diagnosis, which can save more eyes and lives. Advances in both the basic science and clinical applications of new therapies continue to emerge for this rare cancer. We expect that all conservative treatments will be available worldwide and consequently more children will be cured and maintain the vision.