Retinoblastoma is the most common type of eye cancer in children. Most children with retinoblastoma in the United States survive the cancer and go on to lead healthy lives. Children with retinoblastoma can have normal vision, play sports, and later drive cars. They go to regular schools, have careers, and have families themselves.

Retinoblastoma occurs most often in children younger than five. It affects boys and girls in equal numbers. The tumor may be in one eye (unilateral retinoblastoma) or in both eyes (bilateral retinoblastoma). The average age for diagnosis is two and a half years old when one eye is involved and one year old when both eyes are involved. 

Why choose Memorial Sloan Kettering for retinoblastoma treatment?

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, 95 percent of our young patients with retinoblastoma keep both of their eyes and maintain normal vision. We have a 99 percent cure rate for retinoblastoma overall.

MSK is the only cancer center in the world with a staff solely dedicated to treating retinoblastoma. Our team of experts includes world-renowned doctor David Abramson, who pioneered our minimally invasive standard of treatment for this illness. We will work diligently to save your child’s life — and sight.