Rb Fast Facts
Introduction to Rb
Global Incidence
Signs and Symptoms
Referral and Diagnosis
Staging Systems
Exam Under Anaesthetic
Treatment Options
Clinical Trials
Follow Up and Prognosis
RB1 Genetics
Glossary Of Terms
Also known as squint, crossed or turned eyes, this subtle change can be the first sign of developing tumours in the eye. Strabismus is a mis-alignment of the eyes, which may either turn in or out, up or down..
Most often, strabismus occurs on its own and is not a sign of eye cancer. However, early treatment of strabismus can preserve vision and prevent need for corrective surgery.
The most recognisable sign of retinoblastoma is a white reflection in the pupil, like a cat’s eye. This reflex is called leukocoria.
Leukocoria is best seen in low level artificial lighting, or in photographs where a flash has been used.
Retinoblastoma specialists recommend that a child's picture be taken once a month in a dimly lit room, for the purpose of checking for a normal red-eye reflex.
Flash photography may cause the white reflex to appear
in perfectly healthy eyes. This depends on the angle
at which the light hits the optic disc.
If the reflex appears in a single picture or in several pictures taken from the same position on the same real, whilst all other photos show normal red reflex, the reflex is likely to be the result of the angle of the flash.
If you see a white reflex in your child's photograph, compare it to other photographs in the same set. If possible, ask friends/family to examine their own photos taken on the same occasion, to see if more photos have the reflex. Look at previous photos of your child too.
The white reflex is not necessarily a sign of retinoblastoma. It may be a symptom of several other eye conditions, such as Coat's Disease or a blond fundus.
However, in young children, retinoblastoma must be considered the most likely diagnosis, and investigated promptly with a dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist.
If you ever find a white reflex that occurs repeatedly in photos, such as in the images on this page, it is essential for your child to be seen immediately by a paediatric ophthalmologist (a children’s eye doctor).
Ensure your child's eyes are examined with an ophthalmoscope in a darkened room at every well child visit. This simply involves shining the ophthalmoscope (like a handheld torch with a magnifier) in the child's eyes.
If you notice any abnormal appearance of your child's eye, seek prompt medical advice. This could save your child's life and sight.
For a more in depth explanation of photographing retinoblastoma, please click on the link below.
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