What is Retinoblastoma?
Retinoblastoma is the most common eye tumor in children and the third most common cancer affecting children overall. It develops in the retinal cell layer of the child�s eye. One in every 12,000 children in the United States is affected with retinoblastoma. Ninety percent of the cases occur in the first five years of life. When detected early the eye and vision can be saved and life is not threatened. When left untreated, the child�s eye is enucleated (removed) in order to save their life. If retinoblastoma is allowed to escape the eye there is no cure. Early detection is vital to saving vision and life.
What is a red eye picture?
We have always been led to believe that red eye photos are bad pictures...cat eye or devil eye pictures. In fact, they are a form of a diagnostic. We take red eye pictures in dim light. Our pupil dilates in the dark, therefore our retina is exposed to the light. The retina is supposed to reflect light RED! A red eye picture is a picture of the retina and means that your retina has reflected the light properly. If you do not get a red reflection, something could be blocking the retina from the light. It could be a tumor, cataract or other eye disorder. Always look at your red eye pictures and make sure the eyes have reflected red. Any one any age can have a tumor or cataract and the picture could save their vision...with children from birth to five it could also save their life! |
