Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition that occurs when there is a lack of melanin pigment in the eyes, skin and hair. Albinism is present at birth and affects both genders and all races equally. People with albinism have very sensitive eyes and may have vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism and/or poor depth perception.
What Does Someone with Albinism See?
People with albinism usually have impaired vision, and most have some level of color vision deficiency. This means that they are unable to distinguish between some or all colors, or they may only be able to see shades of gray. They may also have difficulty seeing clearly in bright or dim light. However, the degree to which vision is affected varies greatly from person to person. It is important to note that having albinism does not necessarily mean that someone has poor vision. Some people with albinism may have perfectly normal vision, though this is rare.
Different Types of Albinism
There are multiple types of albinism, and each type affects vision differently. The most common type is oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), which is caused by a genetic mutation that affects the production and distribution of melanin in the eyes, skin and hair. People with OCA typically have light blue, green or gray eyes, white hair and pale skin. People with OCA often have vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism, and may have difficulty distinguishing colors.
Another type of albinism is ocular albinism (OA), which affects only the eyes. People with OA usually have blue or gray eyes, and may have difficulty seeing in bright light. They may also have trouble distinguishing colors and have poor depth perception.
Treating Vision Problems Associated with Albinism
People with albinism often have vision problems that can be treated with corrective lenses. People with OCA may be prescribed glasses, contact lenses or special tinted lenses to help improve their vision. People with OA may be prescribed glasses or contact lenses to help improve their vision. Additionally, both types of albinism may benefit from special low-vision aids that can help with tasks such as reading and writing.
In conclusion, people with albinism typically have impaired vision that can range from mild to severe. The degree to which vision is affected depends on the type of albinism and the individual. Vision problems associated with albinism can often be treated with corrective lenses or special low-vision aids.