February 4th is recognized as World Cancer Day, and VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement would like to honor our patients impacted by cancer.

Each year, a World Cancer Day theme is chosen to help spread awareness, support those affected by all types of cancer, and reduce illness and deaths caused by them. This year begins a new theme, “Close the Care Gap,” which aims at “recognizing the inequities in cancer care around the globe.”

Generally, there are two forms of eye cancer: types that develop directly in the eye and types that spread to it. 

MELANOMA

The most common form of eye cancer is melanoma, which typically starts in the skin before spreading, or metastasizing, to another part of the body. The easiest way to detect melanoma in the eye is through an eye exam.

RETINOBLASTOMA

Another well-known eye cancer is retinoblastoma, where cancer cells form in the retina tissue. Retinoblastoma usually affects young children but can be treated successfully if caught in the early stages.

VISION REHABILITATION: VIA HELPS THOSE WITH GLAUCOMA LIVE FULLY AND WORK INDEPENDENTLY

While eye cancer remains rare, it is essential to remind everyone today on World Cancer Day to check your eye health and schedule an eye exam. If vision loss has affected you or someone you know, VIA can help you adapt and regain independence. VIA provides comprehensive services for those of any age. We want to help you enjoy living and working on your terms, maximizing your abilities through vision rehabilitation. Our professional services can help restore function in your life after visual impairment through:

• Vision rehabilitation therapy. Learn to master daily tasks using adaptive techniques and tools that restore your confidence and independence.
• Orientation and mobility. Regain the ability to know where you are and how to get where you want to go using tools and technology for the visually impaired.
• Social casework services. Adjust to vision loss with the help of community resources, counseling, recreational opportunities, and other experiences designed to meet your physical, emotional, and social needs.

Contact a member of VIA’s Vision Rehab Services to learn more about how we can help you maximize your life today.