{"id":15121,"date":"2021-07-04T11:18:48","date_gmt":"2021-07-04T11:18:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=15121"},"modified":"2021-07-14T08:50:28","modified_gmt":"2021-07-14T08:50:28","slug":"retinoblastoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/childrens-vision\/guide-to-pediatric-eye-conditions\/a-guide-to-childrens-eye-diseases\/retinoblastoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Retinoblastoma"},"content":{"rendered":"

Retinoblastoma occurs in 1 in 20,000 children, making it the 10th most common pediatric cancer.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer that develops in the retina – the sensitive lining on the back of the eye.<\/p>\n

Early eye exams are important for diagnosis and treatment. Retinoblastoma may be cured, especially when diagnosed early.<\/b><\/p>\n

What causes retinoblastoma?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Retinoblastoma usually affects babies, infants and young children, though it may affect adults. Retinoblastoma occurs when nerve cells in the retina develop genetic mutations.<\/p>\n

Normally, the cells in the retina stop dividing when they become mature retinal cells. The genetic mutations cause the cells to continue to grow and multiply, forming a tumor, known as retinoblastoma.<\/p>\n

Retinoblastoma cancer cells have the ability to penetrate deeper into the eye and surrounding structures. This type of cancer has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain and spine.<\/p>\n

In most cases, the source of the actual genetic mutation that causes retinoblastoma is not clear. However, it is well understood that children will inherit this condition from their parents.<\/p>\n

What are the symptoms of retinoblastoma?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Since retinoblastoma mostly affects infants and young children, symptoms are difficult to notice, so it is important for parents to be aware of the signs. The symptoms of retinoblastoma include:<\/p>\n