Retinal and Optic Disc Tumors and Cataract: Treatment Strategies and Current Approaches

In benign tumors of the retina and optic nerve, observation is generally sufficient, and cataract usually develops independently of the tumor. In retinoblastoma, the most common intraocular tumor of childhood, cataracts may develop following radiotherapy and, more recently, commonly used chemotherapy regimens. In contrast, in medulloepithelioma, cataract typically develops as a primary consequence of the tumor itself. The type and location of the tumor, as well as the treatment process, are critical factors influencing cataract development and its management. Decisions regarding the timing of cataract surgery, choice of surgical technique, and intraocular lens implantation should be planned using a multidisciplinary approach, taking into account tumor remission status, risk of recurrence, and the patient's visual potential. This review aims to contribute to the development of safer and more effective patient-specific management strategies in clinical practice by summarizing the relationship between retinal and optic nerve tumors and cataract formation based on current literature.