Symptoms

Most retinoblastoma patients have a white pupil reflex or leukocoria instead of a normal black pupil or red reflex. This abnormal white pupillary reflex is sometimes referred to as a cat's eye reflex.

Many times the parent is the first one to notice the cat's eye reflex. This white pupillary reflex may also be indicative of another disorder and does not always indicate retinoblastoma. An ophthalmologist can determine the correct diagnosis.

A crossed eye or strabismus is the second most common manner symptom of retinoblastoma. The child's eye may turn towards the ear (exotropia) or towards the nose (esotropia).

Children with retinoblastoma may also have the following symptoms:

• a painful red eye
• poor vision
• inflammation of tissue surrounding the eye
• an enlarged or dilated pupil
• different colored irises (a condition known as heterochromia)
• failure to thrive (trouble eating or drinking)
• extra fingers or toes (a condition known as hexadactylism)
• malformed ears
• delayed development or retardation