Symptoms of Retinoblastoma

Symptoms of retinoblastoma most commonly include such things as crossed eyes, a condition called "white eye," and pain or redness in the eye. Other symptoms sometimes seen with the cancer can include blurry vision and a pupil that appears enlarged. Symptoms of retinoblastoma may also include different colored irises.

 

Symptoms of Retinoblastoma: An Introduction

Retinoblastoma usually develops over time. As the cancer cells grow within the retina, they spread more deeply into the eye and can spread to surrounding areas. If retinoblastoma spreads (metastasizes) outside the eye, cancer cells are often found in tissues around the eye, or it may spread to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or to other parts of the body.
 

Common Retinoblastoma Symptoms

Common symptoms of retinoblastoma may include the following:
 
  • The pupil of the eye appears white instead of red when light shines into it (known as "cat's eye reflex" or "white eye"). This may be seen in flash photographs of the patient.
  • The eyes appear to be looking in different directions (crossed eyes).
  • Pain or redness in the eye.
     
Other symptoms of retinoblastoma may include:
 
  • An enlarged or dilated pupil
  • Blurred vision or poor vision
  • Different colored irises.
     

Symptoms of Retinoblastoma: Final Thoughts

The symptoms discussed in this article are not sure signs of retinoblastoma. Other, less serious, health problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone with these possible symptoms of retinoblastoma should see a doctor as soon as possible so that the problem can be diagnosed and treated.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD