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Our Mission&To provide counseling, support, information and advocacy to families when there has been a diagnosis of cancer or other diseases that may impact vision.
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About Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare fast-growing cancer that only occurs in newborns, infants and children under 5 years of age. Arising from immature retinal cells in one or both eyes, these tumors begin as tiny elevations in the retina and eventually fill the eye over time. This cancer is curable if caught early enough.

Diagnosis

 With early diagnosis, the disease is treatable and, in most cases, the eyesight can be saved in addition to the life of the child. By dilating the pupils of an infant, most cases of this disease, as well as the pathology of many other ocular diseases can be detected.

Common signs of retinoblastoma include:

  • A white "glow" or "glint" in the pupil of one or both eyes in dim lighting
  • White pupil in a color photo
  • Crossed or misaligned eyes

To learn more, Retinoblastoma International has created a brochure: Brochure Promoting Early Detection (click to view).

Treatment

Treatment protocols vary according to the severity of the retinoblastoma. An estimated 8,000 cases occur annually worldwide. Early detection and treatment is critical to a successful outcome. Retinoblastoma is universally fatal if not treated in a timely manner by a pediatric ophthalmologist in collaboration with a pediatric oncologist who specializes in this disease. Retinoblastoma centers exist in many parts of the United States as well as around the world.

For more detailed information please refer to www.retinoblastoma.net.