When a child of cancer When a diagnosis is made, the main focus of parents is naturally to control the disease and complete the treatment. However, it is equally important to consider the long-term quality of life, including vision and eye development, in childhood cancer treatment.(Photo courtesy – istock)

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Cancer can directly or indirectly affect the eyes. Some childhood cancers, such as retinoblastoma, start in the eye itself. Likewise, some brain tumors, leukemia, and head and neck cancers can affect the organs to vision. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), leukaemia, lymphoma and brain tumors are among the leading cancers in children, while retinoblastoma is the leading eye tumor in children.

Cancer treatments can also sometimes affect vision. Radiation therapy to the head, brain, eyes, or eye sockets can increase the risk of eye problems. Certain chemotherapy drugs, steroids, and treatments given around stem-cell transplantation can cause cataracts, dry eyes, or other vision changes.

These effects do not appear during treatment. Some problems may develop months or even years after treatment. Therefore, regular follow-up is important in the long-term medical monitoring of children treated for childhood cancer.

Parents need to pay attention to changes in the child's vision. Symptoms such as blurred or double vision, difficulty seeing objects, increased sensitivity to light, difficulty seeing at night, persistent dry or itchy eyes, pain in the eyes, redness, or a noticeable change in the appearance or movement of the eyes should not be ignored.

Children in particular may not always clearly complain of vision loss. So if the boy or girl sits too close to the TV than usual, avoids reading, squints frequently, bumps into objects or has difficulties in school studies, parents should also pay attention to it.

“The goal of pediatric cancer treatment is not only to cure the disease, but also to return the child to a healthy and active life. Vision is very important. Depending on the type of cancer and the treatment given, children may benefit from regular eye exams during treatment and during follow-up. Any new vision changes should be discussed with the treating pediatric oncologist without ignoring them,” he said. Childhood Cancer Specialist at M|O|C Cancer Care Mumbai Dr. Swati Krishna said. This follow-up is especially important for Indian families, as a child's cancer treatment may involve multiple specialists. The child may need to be treated in coordination with a pediatric oncologist, an ophthalmologist, and, as needed, a neurologist or other specialist.

The good news is that not every child undergoing cancer treatment will develop eye problems. This risk varies with the type of cancer, the type of treatment, the amount of medication, and the child's age. Many complications can be effectively treated and managed if the problem is identified early.

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In 2022, more than 2.75 lakh children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide. So while the goal is to save children from cancer, it is equally important to ensure that children who recover from cancer have good health and the best possible quality of life later in life.