It is the type of eye cancer in children that affects children under the age of 5 years. This develops when the soft lining of the retina gets damaged. Like other cancers, this also develops with the cell transformation that occurs in the cells of the retina. If left untreated, it also affects the other parts of the body. If your child is suffering from this or you suspect that, it’s important not to hit the panic button. At the early stage, the condition can be cured, and in most cases, the vision gets restored. Early detection of eye cancer is important because it saves vision and life. Understanding eye cancer, along with its symptoms, diagnosis methods, and availability of advanced treatments, helps patients make informed decisions. Mostly, eye cancer is treatable in children.
Symptoms Of Eye Cancer
If your child manifests the following signs, then these are the symptoms of eye cancer and should be evaluated immediately.
- White signs in the pupil
- Eyes indicating in different directions
- Swelling around the eyes
- Pain in the eyes
These symptoms are early indicators of eye cancer, which indicates consultation on an immediate basis with an eye specialist.
Diagnosis Of Eye Cancer
Eye specialists diagnose eye cancer through a detailed evaluation. On the basis of the severity of symptoms, the doctor may:-
- Conduct the eye examination under local anesthesia
- Imaging tests, such as MRIs, are used to identify the cause of the symptom
- For further assessment, we refer you to an ocular oncology specialist
- The oncologist will review the result of the MRI and then recommend a suitable treatment
Treatment For Eye Cancer
There are various treatments available for eye cancer, but they are chosen on the basis of stage, size and spread of the tumour. The doctor may suggest one of the following treatment methods:-
Chemotherapy
A specialised treatment that slows down the growth of the cancer and shrinks the tumours. In successful cases, it may eliminate the cancer cells.
Radiation Therapy
In this, the beams with high energy are used to destroy the cells of tumours. There are mainly two types of radiation therapy:-
- Internal radiation therapy: In this, a small device is placed near tumors
- External therapy: From outside the body, the beams are directed at tumors.
Laser Therapy
The precise laser is used to destroy the blood vessels that supply the tumors, cutting off the nutrients and oxygen supply.
Cryotherapy
Extreme cold is used to destroy and freeze the cells of tumors. To kill the abnormal cells, liquid nitrogen is directly applied to tumors.
Surgery
The last option is for the severe cases that are not treated with the other treatments or therapies. This involves the removal of the affected eye. Once the healing process is done, doctors fit your child with an artificial eye.
Conclusion
Retinoblastoma is a rare condition, but timely action and early awareness make the difference. If you are experiencing unusual changes in the eye of your child or are having any signs of eye cancer, then consult with the eye specialist without any delay. Dr. H Mitra, the best eye specialist at Mitra Eye Centre and Lasik Laser Hospital, offers you advanced treatment at economical prices under one roof. We helped thousands of patients with safe and reliable treatment with personalised care. Early diagnosis not only improves the outcomes of the treatment but also preserves the vision and saves the life of your child.
FAQ’S
Is eye care curable in children?
Yes, eye cancer is curable in most cases when detected at an early stage.
At what age does eye cancer start?
This usually develops under the age of five years; symptoms may appear during infancy.