What are the signs of retinoblastoma?

Retinoblastoma is generally a malignant eye tumor commonly found in infants and young children. Its early warning signs mainly include leukocoria, strabismus, eye redness and swelling, vision abnormalities, and proptosis (bulging eye). A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Leukocoria: This is a relatively typical sign, characterized by a white reflection in the pupil area. Normally, the pupil appears black; however, when the tumor affects retinal reflectivity, this abnormal white reflex occurs and becomes more noticeable under light, making it easier for parents to detect.

2. Strabismus: Some affected children may develop strabismus,表现为 one eye deviating to one side while both eyes fail to focus on the same target simultaneously. This occurs because the tumor interferes with the normal neurological and muscular functions of the eye, leading to impaired coordination of eye movements and resulting in strabismus, which is usually unilateral.

3. Eye redness and swelling: The tumor may irritate ocular tissues, causing eyelid swelling and conjunctival congestion. This swelling is often accompanied by eye discomfort, and some children may frequently rub their eyes. The symptoms may recur and show poor response to conventional treatments for eye inflammation.

4. Vision abnormalities: Children may experience vision loss, manifested as delayed responses to surrounding objects or inability to accurately grasp items in front of them. Since infants and toddlers cannot clearly express vision problems, parents should closely observe their behavior to detect any abnormalities early.

5. Proptosis (bulging eye): As the tumor grows, it may exert pressure on the eyeball, causing it to protrude outward. In the early stages, this symptom may be subtle but gradually worsens as the disease progresses. In severe cases, it can affect the eye's appearance and the function of surrounding tissues.

Parents should closely monitor their infant’s eye health. If any of the above abnormalities are observed, they should promptly take the child to a specialized medical facility for evaluation. It is important to protect children’s eyes in daily life, avoid ocular trauma, and ensure regular pediatric eye health screenings.