Retinoblastoma Awareness Week at L V Prasad Eye Institute

L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) is organizing a series activities as part of the 7th World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week from May 11 – 18 to bring public focus on the eye disease that affects children between the age group of 0-5 years. Retinoblastoma is the most common type of childhood eye cancer affecting one in 15,000 live births and its causes can be both hereditary and non-hereditary. Almost 90 per cent of children with retinoblastoma are diagnosed before 5 years of age and diagnosis in children above 6 years of age is extremely rare.

Considering that 80 per cent of the Retinoblastoma cases are first recognized by family members, and less than 20 per cent are diagnosed through medical check up, it is critical for family members to be aware of the symptoms. On Wednesday, May 14th 2014, between 3 and 5 pm, experts at L V Prasad Eye Institute will interact with discerning people – by means of a public forum - to provide all the relevant information and create awareness on Retinoblastoma.  On Thursday, May 15th 2014, between 10 am to 1 pm, an educational program is being organized for health care workers to equip them in identifying retinoblastoma early, and with their help percolate the information to the rest of the community.

Over 5000 children suffer from Retinoblastoma across the world, of which India accounts for 30 to 50 per cent with an estimated 1500 to 2000 new cases every year. Early diagnosis and proper treatment in the initial stages can help in complete cure if detected in the early stage.

Dr Swathi Kaliki, Consultant Ocular Oncologist, L V Prasad Eye Institute highlighted that if any one of the symptoms listed below are noticed, it is imperative that the parent or caregiver immediately get their baby’s eyes checked by an eye doctor.
Ø  A white reflex (shining eyes)
Ø  Squinting eyes
Ø  Red, sore or swollen eye without infection
Ø  A change in colour of the iris (the coloured part of the eye)
Ø  Deterioration of vision

About L V Prasad Eye Institute : The L V Prasad Eye Institute provides high quality comprehensive eye care to all people; provides sight enhancement and rehabilitation services at the Institute and through its rural eye health network; offers professional ophthalmic training at all levels; and conducts cutting-edge eye care research. The Institute is a World Health Organization (WHO) Center for the Prevention of Blindness and a Global Resource Center for VISION 2020, a worldwide initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness led by WHO and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness. For further information, visit the Institute’s website, www.lvpei.org