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The RBI web site (www.retinoblastoma.net) is pleased to provide general information as a public service. The contents are not intended to represent the official views or represent the opinions of the organization (RBI), not its board. The listing of a InfantSee is not an endorsement, recommendation or a referral. There is no financial or business relationship with any of the physicians identified. The list is provided for informational purposes. Parents, guardians and/or patients are to conduct their own research before making a decision on a physician and treatment options.
As an alternative to this list of ophthalmalogists, InfantSEE is a no-cost public health program developed to provide professional eye care for infants nationwide. Through InfantSEE, optometrists will provide a one-time, comprehensive eye assessment to infants in their first year of life, offering early detection at no cost, regardless of income. To locate a participating optometrist in your area, call toll-free (888) 396-EYES (3937) or log onto www.infantsee.org |
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What is retinoblastoma?
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Retinoblastoma (reh-tin-oh-blast-oma) is a childhood cancer
arising from immature retinal cells in one or both eyes. The
tumors develop in the human fetus, newborns, infants (premature
and full-term), and preschoolers under age five years.
- What are the most common signs/symptoms of retinoblastoma?
How can I tell if my child has retinoblastoma?
Among infants and children, common signs of retinoblastoma
include having a white “glow” or “glint” in the pupil
of one or both eyes, the presence of a white pupil in a color
photo, and crossed or misaligned eyes.
- What causes retinoblastoma?
The gene associated with retinoblastoma causes the tumor only
when it is not working properly. Humans have two copies of this
“tumor suppressor” gene that protect them against retinoblastoma
and other tumors in each cell in their bodies. When both copies
of this gene stop or are prevented from functioning properly,
this cancer develops.
- Who is at risk?
Ninety percent of retinoblastoma patients have no family history
of the disease and only 10 percent of newly diagnosed patients
have other family members who are retinoblastoma survivors.
- Who should I contact to find out if my child has retinoblastoma?
Call your primary care physician and ask for an immediate appointment.
Request the physician do a pupil dilation in both eyes before
examining. If your pediatrician is unable or unwilling to do
the pupil dilation, request the name of a pediatric ophthalmologist.
If the physician says everything is fine and you do not agree,
insist on a referral.
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