The Retinoblastoma Network: Love your child’s eye

The Retinoblastoma Network: Love your child’s eye

Leukocoria (white pupil), a white reflection from the eye, is the most common way of presentation of retinoblastoma, the most frequent eye cancer in children. It accounts for over 60% of referrals for this cancer globally, making it a key sign which parents and healthcare providers need to watch for. Early detection of this symptom is crucial, as retinoblastoma can mostly be cured if caught early. The earlier the cancer is diagnosed, the higher the chances of saving the child’s vision and life.

The huge importance of identifying leukocoria was demonstrated through a comprehensive global study conducted by the Global Retinoblastoma Study Group, which analysed data from 4,351 children from 153 countries. This large-scale research revealed that while leukocoria is a common initial sign of the disease, the stage at which children are diagnosed varies greatly depending on the country where the child lives. In high-income nations, children are typically diagnosed with early-stage disease which is still inside the eyeball, leading to nearly 100% survival rates and often also resulting in saving the child’s eye. However, in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), children often present at a later stage, increasing the risk of cancer spreading beyond the eye and reducing the chances of survival.

Raising awareness about the signs of retinoblastoma, especially leukocoria, can save the child’s life. Parents should be educated so that they are vigilant about any unusual appearance in their child’s eyes and seek medical attention immediately. Crucially primary and secondary health professionals also need to be educated on the potential seriousness of a child with a white pupil, so that they are able to advise the family to seek specialist care promptly. Early diagnosis not only improves survival but also reduces the need for more aggressive treatments like eye removal (enucleation), which will otherwise become necessary in advanced stages.

Let’s act together—spread awareness, advocate for early diagnosis, and ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has the best chance at a cure, preserving both their sight and their life.

The Retinoblastoma Network (Rb-NET)