The most common symptom of retinoblastoma is called "cat's eye reflex" or leukocoria, which looks as if the pupil is white (instead of a normal black pupil). In flash photographs, the child’s eye will appear very white, unlike the red-eye effect more commonly seen in flash photos.
Other symptoms of retinoblastoma include:
Parents usually notice the symptoms of retinoblastoma first, but if there is a family history of the tumor a newborn should be examined by an ophthalmologist soon after birth. Find out more about Diagnosing and Treating Retinoblastoma.
Reviewed by: Y. Pierre Gobin, MD
Last reviewed/last updated: July 2023
