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Retinoblastoma Awareness Week – Pakistan
📅May 11–17, 2025
Retinoblastoma is curable — but only if we act in time. Let’s make awareness a priority.
What is Retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is a rare but serious type of childhood eye cancer that starts in the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye (retina).
It is the most common eye cancer in children and mostly affects children under the age of 5
- It can occur in one or both eyes.
- It can start as early as right after birth
- Around 1 in 4 cases affect both eyes.
- 80% of cases are diagnosed before age 3.
- In extremely rare cases, adults may also develop the condition
⚠️ When To Suspect Retinoblastoma
1. Leukocoria (White Pupil or “Cat’s Eye Reflex”)
• Most common and early symptom.
• Seen as a white, yellow, or silvery glow in flash photos
• May look like a “cat’s eye” reflection
2. Strabismus (Crossed or Misaligned Eyes)
- • One or both eyes point in different directions
- • Often mistaken for lazy eye.
3. Poor Vision
- • Child might not focus on faces or follow objects.
- • Eyes may not move together.
4. Redness or Swelling in the Eye
- • Doesn’t improve with usual treatment
- • Not associated with infection
5. Eye Pain or Bulging
- • Seen in advanced stages
6. Color Change in the Iris
- • One eye might change color or appear different
📍 Seek help immediately
- Don’t ignore signs — early action can save sight and life.
- Visit a children’s eye doctor (pediatric ophthalmologist) immediately
- If retinoblastoma is suspected, the child should also be seen by a (Pediatric Oncologist) children’s cancer doctor
- Share this information with teachers, caregivers, and healthcare workers
- Help families affected by offering emotional and financial support.
🌍 Global Burden and Survival Gap
The outcome of retinoblastoma is excellent in countries where it is diagnosed early >90%
In countries like Pakistan due to delays in diagnosis the outcome is relatively poor 50% or less
Late diagnosis, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialized treatment often contribute to this disparity.
📖Source: Karger – Ophthalmic Research Journal, 2023
🏥 Treatment in Pakistan
There is a national Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO) treatment plan which is being followed at the following institutions:
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
- The Indus Hospital and Health Network, Karachi
- National Institute of Child Health, Karachi
- Children’s Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Lahore
- Children’s Hospital & Institute of Child Health, Multan
- Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Lahore
- Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Peshawar
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad
- Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi
- Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi
