India has the highest instance of retinoblastoma or uncommon eye cancer that usually affects children under five years of age. According to experts, one-third of them have a squint as a symptom.

Doctors say squinting – also known as strabismus is the second most common cause of this cancer after the more regularly associated white pupillary reflex, leukocoria. “Any abnormal discoloration of the eyes such as a white or a yellow reflex at any age (even in new-born children) or even deviation of the eyes (squinting) must be brought to the urgent attention of an ophthalmologist as they can be a sign of childhood cataract or even eye cancer,” Dr. Uday Tekchandani, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr Agarwal’s Eye Hospital, told Times Now.

Retinoblastoma can happen in one or both eyes. Experts suspect it happens because of a malfunction in young, developing retinal cells. Diagnosis occurs before the age of three years in 4 out of 5 cases. In rare cases, adults can also develop the condition after a pause in the tumour’s early development.

In children with retinoblastoma, once the tumour in the eye interferes with their vision, this can cause the eye to wander or deviate. Doctors say most often, parents describe seeing strabismus long before the white pupil.

Ideally, both eyes should be the same size and move together when the child looks at an object. However, when the child focuses on something and if the line of sight from each eye crosses with that of the other – it causes squinting.

While retinoblastoma commonly happens in children before they can talk, some other signs and symptoms can signal its development, including:

• Eyes that have trouble following movement or don’t follow it at all
• Eye pain
• Enlarged and bulging eyes
• Blood in the front chamber of the eyes
• Infection, swelling, and inflammation in the eyes

How to take care of your children’s eyes?

Even though retinoblastoma happens due to malfunction in the DNA, the parents need to take care of their children’s eyes, and a few ways you can do that:

According to Dr. Tekchandani, every child must have their eyes examined by an ophthalmologist once they start going to school to diagnose any issue. "Early signs warranting screening for refractive error include confusion between similar-looking objects or numbers going close to the object or blackboard to read, and squeezing of eyes to see better,” he said.

Any amount of screen time is unsafe for children less than 1-2 years of age, so limit it only to video calls when essential.

Ensure that chemicals and sharp objects are stored out of reach of children. These items can pose significant risks for eye injuries and infections. “Safety measures should be implemented to prevent accidents and protect your child’s eyes,” said Dr. Tekchandani.

Difficulty navigating unfamiliar environments, frequent bumping into objects, or problems with vision during the day or night could be signs of genetic eye diseases. If you notice these symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive evaluation.

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