The most common eye cancer in children less than 5 years is called Retinoblastoma. It can be present in one eye or both. If not detected at the right time; this cancer can spread to all parts of the body which in rare cases can also lead to death of the child.
Author: Admin
Who can have eye cancer
All age groups can be affected by certain forms of eye cancer. There are specific forms of cancer specially seen in children less than 5 years of age. Specific eye cancer can also occur in the elderly.
Can eye cancer be treated
Cancer like any place else in the body when detected early can be treated . When detected at the right time, not only it gets totally cured, but also leads to better quality of life.
Can eye have or develop cancer
Yes!
Eye can be a site for developing cancer. At one end of the spectrum: cancer in eye can be life threatening and in other it can be only localized within the eye where there is no risk of spreading outside the eye.
Will I gain the vision that I lost
The earlier the disease is diagnosed , better are the chances of a better vision. Treatment may help in restoring some part of vision lost, although it may not reach pre-treatment levels. Main aim is to prevent further loss and stabilize the disease process.
How often do we need to repeat injections
The most common protocol followed is to have an injection every month for 3 consecutive months. Thereafter depending on the disease process, injection may be repeated. Sometimes an injection may be needed many months after the initial 3 injections. It is important to have a regular follow up during the course of injection and also after the same.
What treatments are possible
The most common type of treatment needed for a leaking type of AMD is injections which are given inside the eye. The procedure is painless and generally performed inside the operation theatre. Other treatment like laser are also used to treat AMD.
Do all forms of AMD need treatment
AMD can present in 2 forms. One is called the dry variant whereby no active treatment is needed. Patient with dry form(non-exudative) form are requested to have periodical review.
The exudative form( leaking variety) needs early intervention and treatment. The earlier the treatment is started, better are chances of regaining vision.
What are tests used to diagnose AMD
When an ophthalmologist suspects a patient to have AMD various tests are done. The tests can be invasive or non-invasive. The most common test done to diagnose AMD is called OCT( optical coherence tomogram) which is a non- invasive test. Not only does it diagnose treatable forms of AMD but also helps in follow up.
What are signs of developing AMD
Most important symptom in AMD is noticeable sudden blurring in central vision. Apart from visual blurring, any change in shapes of lines, images ( lines appearing out of shape), appearance of black spot in the centre of field can be early signs of AMD.
