Symptoms

Main symptoms of retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma can affect one or both eyes.

The main symptom is a white glow or white reflection in the centre of the eye (pupil).

You may be able to see it from just looking at the eye, or you may see it in low light or in photos where a flash has been used.

Other symptoms of retinoblastoma can include:

the eyes pointing in a different direction (squint)
the coloured part of the eye (iris) changing colour
swelling around the eye
uncontrolled eye movements
vision problems
pain in one or both eyes

Your child may otherwise seem well.

When and where to get medical help

It's important to have the symptoms of retinoblastoma checked by a health professional.

Ask for an urgent GP or optician's appointment, or call NHS 111 if:

you notice a white glow or white reflection in the centre of your child's eye (pupil), which you may notice in low lighting or in photos using a flash
your child's eye is swollen
you think your child is having problems with their vision
your child has a painful eye
your child has uncontrolled eye movements

What happens at the appointment with a GP or optician

The GP or optician will check the back of your child's eyes using a light, like at an eye test.

Your child may be referred straight to hospital or to a specialist eye doctor (ophthalmologist) for further tests.

If your child is referred to a specialist, the appointment should happen within 2 weeks.

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