Comm Eye Health South Asia Vol. 31 No. 101 2018. Published online 16 October, 2018

Retinoblastoma: a curable, rare and deadly blinding disease

Early diagnosis and treatment can save the life of a child with retinoblastoma. INDIA © Swathi Kaliki
Early diagnosis and treatment can save the life of a child with retinoblastoma. INDIA © Swathi Kaliki

Retinoblastoma is a rare condition with devastating consequences. If left untreated, it can lead to loss of the eye, invasion of the brain and death. In this issue, we offer information and guidance about the detection, diagnosis and treatment of retinoblastoma, including advice about screening for family members when genetic testing is not available, and a step-by-step guide to enucleation. We hope that every health professional reading this journal will raise awareness of this condition so that – globally – we have a better chance to save the life, eyes and sight of children with retinoblastoma.

We wish to acknowledge the Retinoblastoma Network (Rb-NET) supported by the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust in bringing together the many authors involved in writing this issue.