Early diagnosis of bilateral retinoblastoma reduces death and blindness.

The influence of early diagnosis on sight and survival was studied in 130 patients with bilateral retinoblastoma. Nineteen patients died of this condition. Statistical analysis predicted that 12 of these 19 early deaths could have been prevented if doctors' delay had been less than 1 week. Consequently, a reduction of 65% in mortality is possible. Similarly, statistical analysis also predicted that the number of patients with resulting blindness could be reduced by 40%. Central registration and monitoring of retinoblastoma families would greatly improve early diagnosis.