How long does brachytherapy take to work for retinoblastoma?

A small radioactive plaque is positioned against the outside of the eye near the tumour. It remains in place for a planned treatment period and is then removed. Radiation continues to affect tumour cells after the plaque is taken away, so the eye may not look different straight away.

The eye team checks the tumour and surrounding structures during scheduled examinations, often using an examination under anaesthesia or imaging when needed. The timing depends on tumour size, location, previous treatment, the child’s age, and how the eye is healing. A treatment plan may include additional therapy if the tumour remains active.

Use drops, a shield, or pain relief exactly as the ophthalmology team instructs. Keep every follow-up appointment, because response and eye pressure may need checking even when the child seems comfortable. Do not rub or press the treated eye, and ask when bathing, school, sport, and close contact can resume.

Keep a simple record of redness, swelling, discharge, pain, vision changes, medicines, and temperature. Bring it to review visits. The clinician can explain whether a finding is expected healing, treatment effect, or a reason for examination sooner.

Contact the treating eye team promptly for worsening pain, increasing swelling, new discharge, a marked change in vision, persistent vomiting, fever, or difficulty opening the eye. Seek urgent medical help for severe pain, sudden loss of vision, heavy bleeding, or a child who is unusually drowsy or difficult to wake.

Ask when the first response check is planned, what improvement or remaining activity will look like, how plaque removal affects follow-up, and what symptoms should trigger a same-day call. Ask whether the child needs eye protection or activity restrictions and how future examinations will be arranged.