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Hyderabad/New Delhi, March 10, 2025:
Most people associate cancer with the lungs, breast, or skin, but few realize that cancer can also affect the eyes. While eye cancer is rare, it can be life-threatening and lead to permanent loss of vision or even eye enucleation (removal of eye), if not detected early. Unfortunately, lack of awareness leads to many cases being diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options become limited.
The Growing Burden of Eye Cancer in India
India carries one of the highest burdens of eye cancer worldwide, particularly childhood eye cancers. Retinoblastoma, a life-threatening eye cancer in children, is more common in India than in other countries. The Asia-Pacific region bears the highest number of retinoblastoma cases globally, with India having the largest number of reported cases.
In adults, ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and sebaceous gland carcinoma are among the most common eye cancers. OSSN is the leading conjunctival malignancy, while sebaceous gland carcinoma is the most common eyelid cancer in India, accounting for 53% of all eyelid malignancies—a much higher percentage compared to Western countries. Uveal melanoma, a common eye cancer in the west is relatively rare in India.
What Are the Risk Factors for Eye Cancer?
Depending on the type of tumor, eye cancers may develop due to various risk factors, including genetic and familial factors, race, ethnicity, UV exposure, immuno-compromised conditions, and personal habits like smoking etc. Certain cancers are also linked to light-colored eyes, age, and pre-existing ocular conditions.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Eye Cancer?
One of the biggest challenges in detecting eye cancer early is that symptoms may not be obvious. Often, it is detected during routine eye exams, making regular check-ups crucial for early diagnosis.
Common warning signs of eye cancer include:
· A white reflex in a child’s eye (a major sign of retinoblastoma)
· Blurry vision or sudden vision loss
· A dark or growing spot on the surface of the eye
· Bulging of one eye or sudden change in the appearance of the eye
· A lump on the eyelid or around the eye
· Seeing flashes of light, wiggly lines, or floating spots
· Eye redness, chronic irritation, or inflammation
· Pain in or around the eye (though rare in early stages)
Treatment Options: Saving Vision, Eye and Life
Once diagnosed, treatment decisions depend on the tumor type, location, size, growth patterns, and complications. Eye cancer treatments include:
Observation – For slow-growing or small benign tumors that do not require immediate intervention
Surgery (Local Resection) – Removal of tumors while preserving as much eye function as possible
Chemotherapy – Delivered topical, intravenous, intra-arterial, or intravitreous, depending on the type and location of the cancer
Radiation Therapy – Using ophthalmic plaque radiotherapy or external beam radiation to destroy cancer cells
Enucleation or Exenteration – Removal of the affected eye, only considered when vision-sparing treatments are not viable
Advancements in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates, eye and vision preservation, but early diagnosis and intervention is critical.
The Need for More Awareness and Specialized Care
One of the biggest issues in India is that most eye cancer cases present to an Ocular Oncology clinic at a later stage, often due to a lack of awareness or limited access to trained ocular oncologists.
What Can You Do?
Don’t ignore unusual eye symptoms – Any sudden change in vision, eye swelling, or abnormal eye appearance should be checked immediately.
Routine eye check-ups – Even if you don’t have symptoms, regular eye examination can detect eye cancer early, before it becomes serious.
Seek specialized care – If an eye problem persists, consult an expert for evaluation.
Early Detection Saves Lives, Eye and Vision!
Dr Swathi Kalki, Head – Orbit & Ocular Oncology, L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad cautions, “Eye cancer may be rare, but it is dangerous if ignored. Raising awareness and improving early detection can make a huge difference in saving vision, eye and lives. L V Prasad Eye Institute organizes a yearly run ‘Whitathon’, in May during the Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, to raise awareness and funds for the early diagnosis and treatment of children battling Retinoblastoma, a curable eye cancer if detected early.
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