What is Albinism?
Albinism is a genetic condition that causes a lack of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. People with albinism may have vision problems, and are at an increased risk of skin cancer due to their lack of pigment. Albinism is caused by a change in the gene that helps produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin, hair and eyes their color.
How is Albinism Inherited?
Albinism is an inherited condition; it is not contagious. Albinism is caused by a change in the gene that helps produce melanin, the pigment that gives the skin, hair and eyes their color. Albinism is an autosomal recessive trait, which means that both parents must carry the gene to pass it onto their child. If both parents are carriers of the gene, there is a 25% chance that their child will be born with albinism.
What are the Symptoms of Albinism?
People with albinism have very light skin, hair and eyes. They may also have vision problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. Additionally, they may be at an increased risk of skin cancer due to their lack of pigment.
Treatment for Albinism
There is no cure for albinism, but there are treatments available to help people manage the condition. Vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses, can help with some of the vision problems associated with albinism. Additionally, people with albinism may benefit from wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to help protect their skin from the sun.