---
title: "Retinoblastoma | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What retinoblastoma is, warning signs such as leukocoria, how it is diagnosed and treated, and why early care matters. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/retinoblastoma/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Retinoblastoma

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

Retinoblastoma is a rare cancer that starts in the retina, most often in young children. A white glow in the pupil in photos, a squint, or a red, painful eye can be warning signs. It needs urgent assessment by a specialist — early treatment saves sight and can be life-saving.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Warning signs
4. Diagnosis and treatment
5. Support for families
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Practical guides
9. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

Retinoblastoma is a tumour that develops in the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye. It almost always affects children, usually before age five. It can occur in one or both eyes and may be inherited or appear without a family history. Because the eye is small and symptoms can be subtle, parents and clinicians must take warning signs seriously.

## Warning signs

Some signs are easy to miss. Seek urgent paediatric or eye specialist advice if you notice:

- A white pupil reflex (leukocoria) in flash photos or in dim light — sometimes described as a 'cat's eye' glow
- A new squint or the eyes not lining up
- Redness, swelling or pain that does not settle
- A change in vision or the child not tracking objects as before
- A difference in pupil size or colour between the eyes

## Diagnosis and treatment

Specialists examine the eyes under anaesthetic, use imaging such as ultrasound or MRI, and may arrange genetic testing. Treatment depends on tumour size and whether one or both eyes are affected. Options can include laser therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or in some cases removal of the eye to protect the child's life. Lifelong follow-up is usually needed.

## Support for families

A retinoblastoma diagnosis is frightening, but outcomes have improved greatly with modern care. Teams include paediatric oncologists, ophthalmologists and support workers. Ask about vision rehabilitation, prosthetic eyes if needed, and genetic counselling when a family history exists. Do not delay assessment because you hope a white reflex will go away on its own.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a white pupil in photos always retinoblastoma?

No. Camera flash can cause a harmless red-eye effect, and other conditions can look similar. However, a persistent white or abnormal pupil reflex in a child should be checked urgently — do not wait.

### Can retinoblastoma be cured?

Many children are treated successfully, especially when the tumour is found early. Treatment aims to save the child's life first, then as much sight as possible. Your specialist team will explain options for your child's situation.

### Should siblings be checked?

If retinoblastoma is linked to an inherited gene change, siblings and future children may need screening. Genetic counselling helps families understand who should be examined and how often.

Optional — donate

## Want to fund sight-restoring surgery?

Eye Health Guide does not take donations. If you want to give, World Aid Network funds cataract and other sight-restoring operations through locally licensed ophthalmologists in Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

[Donate at World Aid Network](https://worldaidnetwork.org/donate)[World Aid Network eye health](https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health)[Their page on this condition](https://worldaidnetwork.org/eye-health/childhood-blindness)[How this site relates to the charity](https://eyehealthguide.org/support/)

Eye Health Guide and World Aid Network are related public-interest projects and share a medical reviewer. Donations go to World Aid Network. This website does not take a cut, and giving is never required to read a page.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Retinoblastoma](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/retinoblastoma)