Retinoblastoma 

Early treatment for retinoblastoma is vital. At Emory Eye Center, we have sophisticated diagnostic equipment and our own eye cancer and pathology service. We can quickly detect retinoblastoma and begin vision-saving and lifesaving treatment.

Here, you also benefit from the expertise of colleagues at Emory University School of Medicine. When needed, we can offer the services of a pediatric retina surgeon and pediatric cancer specialists. Experts in radiation therapy, genetics and other specialties are also available to provide your child with the best possible care.

To diagnose retinoblastoma, we may perform a physical and eye exam. Sometimes, we recommend genetic testing, too. Retinal imaging is the most common tool for diagnosing retinoblastoma. We use a RetCam 120 camera. It provides a high-resolution, 120-degree view, which allows us to see the entire retina, including the edges.

If we diagnose retinoblastoma, we may do additional imaging and other tests to see if the cancer has advanced.

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer. It can affect adults. But it’s mainly found in young children.

The tumor starts in the retina, which is in the back of the eye. This part of the eye detects light and transmits signals to your brain that result in vision.

In some cases, retinoblastoma is a hereditary condition. When inherited, it can affect both eyes and sometimes other organs of the body. Non-inherited cases usually affect only one eye.

Early symptoms of retinoblastoma can vary. They may include:

• A pupil (the round area in the center of the eye) that appears white when exposed directly to light
• Blurry vision
• Eyes that appear to look in different directions
• Redness or swelling of the eye

Treatment for retinoblastoma varies. We consider the size and location of the cancer, whether it has spread and the degree of vision loss when weighing treatment options. A team of specialists works together to decide which treatment is best. Options include:

• Chemotherapy, which uses medicines to kill cancer cells.
• Cryotherapy, which freezes and kills cancer cells. Laser treatments, which destroy blood vessels feeding the cancer (photocoagulation).
• Radiation therapy, which uses X-ray treatments delivered from a source outside the body or a disc placed in the eye.
• Surgery, which may remove as much cancer as possible, or in severe cases, the entire eye.

We work to provide treatment quickly and safely.