Retinoblastoma is a medical term used to describe cancerous cell growth in the eye. This rare form of cancer is most frequently diagnosed in children under age 5, according to the National Cancer Institute. Patients who exhibit any of the effects of retinoblastoma should consult a doctor to ensure receipt of appropriate medical care and treatment.
Eye Irritation or Swelling
Cancer cell growth in the eye can result in inflammation. Consequently, patients with retinoblastoma can experience persistent eye irritation or swelling as an effect of this condition, MayoClinic.com reports. The affected eye can appear unusually red or bloodshot and may be tender to the touch. These effects of retinoblastoma can be uncomfortable and affected patients should consult a doctor for further care.
Strabismus
Patients with retinoblastoma may exhibit stabismus. Stabismus is a medical term used to describe distortion of the normal eye alignment, according to the Massey Cancer Center at Virginia Commonwealth University. The affected eye can appear crossed or may move about involuntarily. Patients may be unable to move both eyes in the same direction, which can lead to vision complications in certain patients. This form of cancer can also cause an affected patient's pupils to appear unusually enlarged, reports the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Affected patients who develop these effects of retinoblastoma should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
Leukocoria
Retinoblastoma can cause patients to develop leukocoria, a condition in which the pupil appears white when exposed to light. This effect of retinoblastoma may be most apparent in flash photographs of affected patients, MayoClinic.com notes. A patient who exhibits this retinoblastoma effect should receive further care from a medical professional immediately.
Vision Changes
Patients with retinoblastoma can experience vision changes as an effect of this form of eye cancer, the Massey Cancer Center notes. An affected patient may develop unusually blurred or cloudy vision, which may lead to sensations of dizziness or headache. Vision difficulties can cause affected patients to have trouble remaining stable while walking. Unusual vision alterations can be a sign of other types of medical problems and patients who experience such changes should receive further evaluation from a doctor as soon as possible.
