Pediatrician names rare disease detectable using photo with flash
A disease that can be detected using a photo with a flash is named (Illustrative photo: Freepik)
Eye cancer or cataracts can be detected through flash photography, which may reveal a "white glow" in the eyes. This condition most commonly affects children under the age of 3, according to Ukrainian pediatrician Daria Vlasenko's Instagram page.
What is known about the disease
Retinoblastoma is a type of cancer that affects the retina and most commonly develops in young children. It is very rare in adults.
Key symptoms to watch out for include:
- A white reflection in the pupil, especially noticeable in flash photography.
- Strabismus (crossed eyes) or displacement of the eyeball.
- Deterioration of vision.
- Redness or swelling of the eye.
- Changes in the color of the iris (heterochromia).
The most common symptom is a white reflection in the pupil seen in flash photos, known as leukocoria, or the cat's eye effect.
How to diagnose
Ordinary flash photography can help detect potential eye issues. If you notice a white reflection instead of the usual red reflex, it’s a sign to consult a doctor.
A 2022 study revealed that a camera flash on mobile devices could act as a screening tool for certain eye conditions, such as retinoblastoma.
With retinoblastoma, leukocoria (white reflex) might not appear in every photo. This depends on ambient lighting, the angle of the flash entering the eye, the size and position of the tumor(s), and whether red-eye reduction was used.
“If a child has cancer in both eyes, leukocoria may only be visible in one eye in a single photo,” the doctor added.
It’s important to note that if a single photo shows a large white reflection, but all other photos appear normal, it is unlikely to be retinoblastoma.
Why does retinoblastoma occur
Retinoblastoma can be either hereditary or sporadic. In 25-30% of cases, it is passed down from parents. If one parent carries the mutated gene, the child has a 50% chance of inheriting it.
With early diagnosis, the chances of recovery are very high (up to 95%). Timely detection allows for the preservation of vision and prevents severe complications.
Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, laser therapy, or surgery if the tumor does not respond to other methods.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
