If the child does not complain of any poor vision, the tumor may remain undetected. The most common way of presentation is a white reflex (leukocoria) behind the pupil. This is sometimes called the cat's eye reflex. There may be other causes of this white reflex as well, but an evaluation by an ophthalmologist is a must in all these children to rule out the possibility of this serious and potentially life threatening disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Retinoblastoma may vary on an individual basis for each patient. Only your doctor can provide adequate diagnosis of any signs or symptoms and whether they are indeed Retinoblastoma symptoms.

How can it be detected early?

The most common time of detection of this tumor is around one year of age, when both eyes are involved; and around two years of age when only one eye is involved. A periodic evaluation of the child by an ophthalmologist, especially if there is a family history of this disease may help in picking up the tumor early. Whenever the child is suspected to have poor vision or if there are any of the above symptoms noted, an ophthalmologist must be consulted.