Just 41 per cent of parents of children aged up to six years say their child’s eye health is a concern, compared to 59 per cent in 2019.
These statistics come from a survey carried out for Rare Disease Day 2021 on behalf of UK charity, the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT), which supports families of babies and children diagnosed with retinoblastoma (Rb).
Parental concern over eye health is currently at the lowest point since the survey began in 2014, says the charity. Additionally, those who had taken their child to an optician for an eye examination had fallen to 28 per cent. In 2019, the figure was 37 per cent.
Patrick Tonks, CHECT CEO, said: “Understandably, the health landscape of the past two years has been dominated by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, as restrictions continue to ease, it is vital that parents are encouraged to resume routine eye checks for their children, and to seek an urgent examination with their optician or GP if they notice anything unusual in their child’s eyes.
“Retinoblastoma is rare, but one child a week is diagnosed in the UK. It is imperative that those children are seen and referred on as soon as possible. Around 98 per cent of children diagnosed with Rb will survive, but more than half will lose an eye in order to save their life, so urgent referral and early diagnosis is vital to save a child’s sight, eyes and life.”
ABDO president, Jo Holmes, said: “I’m surprised by these statistics, especially as working on tablets and computers have increased for children, homeschooling during lockdowns. We need to remind parents the importance of regular eye examinations fir their children during the crucial growing years”
The main presenting symptoms of children diagnosed with Rb in the UK between 2012 and 2020, were:
• Leukocoria/white glow in the eye (71 per cent)
• Strabismus/squint (34 per cent)
• Change in colour of iris (10 per cent)
• Loss of vision (eight per cent)
• Redness or swelling without infection (seven per cent)
• Roaming eyes / child not focusing (seven per cent)
• Absence of red eye (one per cent)
For more information, visit the CHECT website.