L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) organized the seventh edition of ‘WHITATHON’ walk on May 18, to raise awareness about the early detection of Retinoblastoma (eye cancer) in children and funds for its treatment. The event commemorates the World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, observed between May 11-17, this year. The 10 K run was flagged off by Mr Y Nagi Reddy, IPS, Director General – Disaster Response and Fire Services, Telangana State, at T-works, Raidurgam in the presence of Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chairman – LVPEI and Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, Director of Apollo Cancer Hospital.
Dr Swathi Kaliki, Ocular Oncologist, Kallam Anji Reddy Campus, , LVPEI, Hyderabad spoke on the need to create awareness of the symptoms of retinoblastoma among the public and elaborated, “It is important that we educate the public, especially young parents about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. Everyone should know that once they notice a white reflex in a child’s eye, they should immediately get it examined by an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment can save the child’s life, eye, and vision.”
Mr Nagi Reddy urged everyone present to spread awareness about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. He said, “If each of us share the awareness we picked up from being a part of Whitathon with the people in our circle of influence, we would make a big difference to ensure cases are detected early and treated enabling us to save vision and life.” He said, parents need to make a small effort to detect Retinoblastoma in children. We take photographs, while doing so ensure you take it with flash, if there is a white reflex in the eye, it can be suspected to be Retinoblastoma and can be got treated.
Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute; said, every child must be protected by saving the eye and life from Retinoblastoma. This disease if picked up early and treated, can help save the eye and life. No child in our city, state, or country should die because of this tumor.
Dr Vijay Anand Reddy, Director, Apollo Cancer Hospital; said, the dearest one in our family is our little one and it is essential for us to be aware that these innocent kids can have a deadly disease called retinoblastoma. The large gathering here today morning are the ambassadors for this cause, you can create some kind of awareness among people around you and the society, that these tumors can develop in these tiny tots and they can be treated, cured and their eyes and lives can be saved.
The 5k run was flagged off by our diamond sponsors DSR SR Prime Spaces LLP and Alcon Laboratories (India) Pvt Ltd and 3K run by our gold and silver sponsors National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) Ltd and IDBI Ltd.
The funds raised from the Whitathon run are utilized to treat underprivileged children suffering from Retinoblastoma at no cost, and to support future research. This year, over 1500 enthusiastic participants joined the cause, demonstrating strong community support for the event.
Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects children under three years of age.
What causes Retinoblastoma?
Loss of “RB1 gene” – a tumor suppressor gene whose function is to stop cells from turning cancerous.
Symptoms & Signs of Retinoblastoma
Consult a trained ophthalmologist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in children:
- Leukocoria or “White reflex” (clearly visible in photographs clicked with a flash)
- Squint
- Red Eyes
- Swollen Eyelids
- Enlarged Eyes
The treatment usually involves multiple procedures and surgeries, with close monitoring over several months. From the funds raised through the whitathon, LVPEI has till date offered over 3000 treatments free of cost.
Annually, the institute treats 150 to 200 new cases of Retinoblastoma. It was possible to save the life of a child in 90% of the cases treated at LVPEI. However, we could save vision in only 45% of these cases. 55% lost their vision because of late presentation.
Early detection and treatment ensure better outcomes for the children.
