What is Retinoblastoma?

Retino (retina) and blastoma (cancer), is a rare eye condition which results in a at least one tumour affecting the retina or light sensitive part of the eye. It is usually a genetic condition and can vary in effect from only one cell mutation to a change in every cell in the body. The condition is usually diagnosed in very young children before the age of two years.

Who can have Retinoblastoma?

If you have a family history of this condition, or have it yourself, you may pass it onto your children. This depends on the genetic effect the condition has had on your own body. Consult your medical professional about genetic testing.

Living with Retinoblastoma

If the diagnosis is made early enough it is possible that some vision can be retained using standard treatments such as laser, chemotherapy and radiation. However, if the cancer has grown too large, surgery to remove one or both eyes can still be the only way of saving a child’s life. This was standard treatment only a few decades ago.

Therefore, people with Retinoblastoma can have sight which varies widely, depending on age and speed of diagnosis as children.

Assistive Technology

Because the amount of sight may vary from person to person, the team at Data Australasia can help you decide which will best suit your needs. They can guide you through magnification, speech or Braille and are qualified to assist you with any assessment, funding and training.