Hyderabad: Eye cancer detection is gradually shifting from a late-stage crisis to earlier diagnosis, mainly due to better awareness and improved referral systems. In Hyderabad, doctors say the rise in cases seen at centres such as LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) and Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital reflects improved detection rather than an actual increase in the disease.Doctors at LVPEI see about 200–250 retinoblastoma (children’s eye cancer) cases every year, while the total number of eye cancer cases may be around 550 to 600 annually. At the state-run Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, Mehdipatnam, doctors saw around 250 cases of common eye cancers in adults and the elderly in 2025, while retinoblastoma cases were around 25 to 30, mostly in advanced stages.Doctors at both institutions said that, about a decade ago, around 10% of eye cancer patients presented at very advanced stages, when the tumour had already spread outside the eye. This number has now dropped to about 5%, indicating improved awareness and referral systems.“However, delays in recognising symptoms and reaching specialists still remain a challenge. Also, because cancer treatment has improved, more survivors are living longer, and hereditary cancers can appear in the next generation,” said Dr Swathi Kaliki, consultant ophthalmologist and head of the OEU Institute for Eye Cancer at LVPEI.Several factors contribute to eye cancers. While some are genetic, particularly retinoblastoma in children, others may be influenced by environmental and health conditions. “For instance, certain surface eye cancers are associated with high ultraviolet (UV) exposure, which is more common in tropical regions like India. Other factors, including weakened immunity or conditions such as HIV, can also increase the risk of certain eye cancers,” said Dr Kaliki.If untreated, some eye cancers, especially retinoblastoma, can spread to the brain and other parts of the body, which can be fatal.Recalling a case highlighting improved awareness, she said that a three-year-old child from a remote village in Andhra Pradesh, whose eye appeared unusual to the parents, received treatment in time. “The parents first took the child to a small rural vision centre, where a technician noticed a white reflex and suspected retinoblastoma. The child was quickly referred to a specialised hospital, received timely treatment, and is now doing well,” she added.However, according to Dr Modini Pandharpurkar, superintendent of Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital, many patients still reach tertiary hospitals at advanced stages, especially children with retinoblastoma, particularly from economically weaker sections. Considered rare, retinoblastoma affects about one in 18,000 live births, according to studies, and develops inside the eyeball, often showing very few symptoms in the early stages.“In children, retinoblastoma is the most common eye cancer, though other tumours are also seen. Retinoblastoma often shows very few symptoms in the early stages, which makes early detection difficult. Among adults, we commonly see ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and meibomian gland carcinoma. Since eyelid tumours appear as visible lumps or swelling, many patients present early, and these cancers can often be cured,” added Dr Pandharpurkar, who is also the director of the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology in Hyderabad.To identify retinoblastoma, doctors say parents should watch for early warning signs such as a white glow in the eye, often seen in photographs, and squinting or misaligned eyes. “If these signs are noticed, the child should be taken to a doctor immediately. Early detection can save both vision and life,” said Dr Kaliki.Doctors pointed out that treatment options have improved significantly in recent years, with advances in chemotherapy and targeted therapies helping to improve survival rates and increasing the chances of saving the eye and vision when detected early. “Over the past decade, the diagnosis and treatment of eye cancers have improved with advances in diagnostics and imaging, as well as the expansion of specialised eye care to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. However, late presentation remains a concern, as early symptoms are often mild and painless, leading to delays in seeking care and referral from primary care. Doctors say routine paediatric eye checks and school screenings can help detect cases earlier, though awareness gaps remain, especially in smaller towns,” said Dr Kamal Babu, COO South, ASG Eye Hospital and Vasan Eye Care.MSID:: 129734908 413 |
