Albinism is a rare condition that results in the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. It is caused by a recessive gene that is passed down from both parents. While it is possible for neither parent to be albino and the child to still be born with this condition, it is very rare.
What Causes Albinism?
Albinism is a genetic condition that is caused by a recessive gene that is passed down from both parents. It is a rare condition that affects only about one in every 20,000 people. This gene causes a lack of melanin production, which is responsible for the coloring of the skin, hair, and eyes. Despite its rarity, albinism is found in people of all races and ethnicities.
How Does Albinism Affect a Child?
Albinism can result in vision problems, including near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism. It can also lead to skin sensitivity to sunlight, which can cause sunburns and skin cancer. In addition, albinos may experience difficulty seeing in low-light environments and they may have difficulty distinguishing between colors.
What Are the Chances of a Child Being Born with Albinism?
The chances of a child being born with albinism when neither parent is albino is about one in 70,000. This is a very rare occurrence and it requires that each parent carries the recessive gene for albinism, which is not always the case. If one parent is albino, the chances of the child having albinism are much higher.
Conclusion
Albinism is a rare genetic condition that can occur even when neither parent is albino. It is caused by a recessive gene that is passed down from both parents and it can cause vision problems, skin sensitivity, and difficulty distinguishing between colors. The chances of a child being born with albinism when neither parent is albino is about one in 70,000.