Albinism is a rare, non-contagious, genetically inherited condition which causes a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. It is estimated that one in 17,000 people in the United States are affected by albinism. Albinism affects people of all races and is found worldwide.
Causes of Albinism
Albinism is caused by the absence or defect of an enzyme involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair and eyes. This enzyme is known as tyrosinase. The condition is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, which means that both parents must be carriers of the gene mutation in order for a child to be affected.
Symptoms of Albinism
The most common symptom of albinism is a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. Other symptoms may include photophobia (sensitivity to light), vision problems such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, and hearing loss.
Treatment of Albinism
There is no cure for albinism. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and complications such as vision problems and hearing loss. Sunscreen should be used to protect the skin from sunburn and skin cancer. Surgery may be performed to correct vision problems such as strabismus (crossed eyes).
Living with Albinism
Living with albinism can be challenging due to the lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair and eyes. People with albinism may experience discrimination and stigma due to their condition. It is important to educate oneself about the condition in order to better understand and manage the condition. It is also important to seek support from family and friends, as well as organizations that specialize in providing resources and support for people living with albinism.