Childhood eye cancer: Oncologist reveals signs beyond lazy eye parents should watch for

Eye cancer in children (Picture Credit: Pexels)

Something odd in your child’s eye, maybe just a strange reflection in a photo or a wandering squint, may often be brushed off. But sometimes, those small signs can point to something more serious, like retinoblastoma, a rare but treatable eye cancer.

One of the earliest and most telling signs of retinoblastoma is something parents often catch in photos, a white or pale-yellow glimmer in the pupil instead of the usual red-eye effect. “This is called leukocoria,” explains Dr Akshay G Nair, Oculoplasty and Ocular Oncology specialist, Aditya Jyot Eye Hospital A Unit of Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Wadala. “It can signal something serious happening inside the eye. The eye might also appear to drift (strabismus) or the child may complain of blurred vision, but since babies and toddlers can’t always articulate that, it’s often parents who notice these changes first.”

In India alone, shares Dr Nair, around 1,500 children are diagnosed each year.

“Unlike many health scares today, retinoblastoma isn’t caused by what the mother ate during pregnancy or whether a child watches too much screen.” It begins with a mutation in the RB1 gene, which can be inherited or arise spontaneously. “There’s absolutely nothing parents did—or didn’t do—that causes this,” Dr Nair clarifies. “And that’s so important for families to understand. We need to stop the blame game and focus on awareness.”

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Dr Nair bursts myths that slow down diagnosis:
A common myth is that retinoblastoma always affects both eyes. In reality, non-hereditary cases typically impact just one. Hereditary ones are more likely to involve both—but early treatment is still very effective. Another myth? That it’s a death sentence. “With prompt treatment, retinoblastoma is one of the most curable childhood cancers,” Dr Nair says. “Survival rates in India are over 90%, but only when caught early.” People also wrongly assume that the eye always has to be removed. While enucleation (eye removal) is a last resort for advanced cases, modern treatments include laser therapy, cryotherapy, and even targeted chemotherapy.

Kids can thrive after treatment:
One of the more heartbreaking misconceptions is that children who survive retinoblastoma will be severely disabled for life. The truth? Many go on to lead completely normal lives—with useful vision, education, sports, and careers. “These children can and do thrive,” Dr Nair affirms. “But follow-up is crucial.” Misinformation breeds fear, but awareness leads to action. A white reflection, a squint, or unexplained visual behaviour shouldn’t be ignored. Parents should consult an ocular oncologist promptly if they suspect anything unusual.

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Retinoblastoma is serious—but survivable. The earlier it’s found, the more vision and life can be saved. Knowing the signs, separating myth from fact, and acting fast can make all the difference. “A white reflex in the eye might look harmless—but it could be the first sign of retinoblastoma,” says Dr Nair. “Trust your instincts. Don’t wait, get it checked.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.