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rare group of genetic disorders that cause the skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no color.

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Stories about people with albinism - United Nations Human Rights

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Read inspirational stories of People with albinism. How they go beyond the prejudices and difficulties of life.

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Understanding Albinism

Humans, animals, and even plants can have albinism, a condition that gives people a kind of pale appearance. But what is albinism and what causes it?

Albinism is a genetic condition where people are born without the usual pigment (color) in their bodies. Their bodies aren't able to make a normal amount of melanin, the chemical that is responsible for eye, skin, and hair color. So most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair, and eyes. Albinism can affect people of all races, and there are different kinds of albinism.

Some people with a condition called oculocutaneous albinism have extremely pale skin and eyes, and white hair. Others with this same type of albinism might have slightly more color in their hair, eyes, or skin.

For some people, albinism affects only their eyes. This is known as ocular albinism. People with ocular albinism usually have blue eyes. In some cases, the

iris (the colored part of the eye) has very little color so a person's eyes might look pink or reddish. This is caused by the blood vessels inside the eye showing through the iris. In some forms of ocular albinism, the hearing nerves hearing may be affected and the person may develop hearing problems or deafness over time.

Except for eye problems, most people with albinism are just as healthy as anyone else. In very rare cases a person's albinism is part of another condition that involves other health problems in addition to albinism. People with these types of albinism can have such health complications as bleeding, lung, bowel, and immune system problems.

Eyesight and Albinism

People with albinism often have trouble with their eyesight. They may wear glasses or contact lenses to help correct problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Others might need eye surgery. Just as there are different degrees of albinism there are also different levels of eye problems for a person who has the condition.

Albinism does not make a person completely blind. Although some people with albinism are "legally blind," that doesn't mean they have lost their vision completely. They can still read and study - they just may need larger print or magnifiers to help them.

People with albinism can be very sensitive to light because the iris doesn't have enough color to shield the

retina properly. Wearing sunglasses or tinted contact lenses can help make them more comfortable out in the sun.

Skin Precautions

Besides giving skin, eyes, and hair their color, melanin helps protect our skin from the sun. It does this by causing skin to tan instead of burn - which is why people with darker skin (more melanin) are less likely to burn than people with lighter skin. So people with albinism can sunburn very easily.

People with light skin are also particularly at risk for skin cancer. So it's important for people with albinism to use a sunscreen with a high SPF factor at all times and to wear clothing that offers protection from the sun, such as hats, dark-colored clothing, or long pants and long-sleeved shirts.

What Causes Albinism?

Albinism is inherited. It's not contagious - you can't "catch" it from someone else. People are born with albinism because they inherit an albinism gene or genes from their parents.

In the most common forms of oculocutaneous albinism, both parents must carry the albinism gene for a child to be born with the condition. Even if both parents carry the gene, the chance of each of their children being born with albinism is one in four.

If just one parent has the gene and the other parent has a normal pigment gene, their children won't have oculocutaneous albinism. But each child will have a one in two chance of being a "carrier" of an albinism gene. If a child who carries the gene grows up to have a baby with someone who also does, there's a one in four chance that their baby may have albinism. Since most people who carry an albinism gene don't show any signs of the condition, a baby with albinism can be born to parents whose coloring is typical for people of their ethnic group.

The most common form of ocular albinism affects only males who have inherited an albinism gene from their mothers. Some females can have a milder form of the condition if they have inherited this gene.

How Is It Treated?

Because most people with albinism don't have health problems, treatment - apart from vision care - isn't usually necessary. But they do need to take certain precautions, such as wearing sunglasses and sunscreen when outdoors.

Albinism can't be "cured." But it only rarely leads to serious health problems. When health problems are serious, doctors usually can treat the symptoms.

What's Life Like for Teens With Albinism?

People with albinism are just like anyone else, with the same lifespan and ability to reach their goals. But living with any medical condition during the teen years can be difficult, and albinism is no exception.

Because the social scene can be more about fitting in than standing out, teens with albinism may face bullying or prejudice. Voicing any frustration or sadness to a family member or friend who understands can help. So can talking to a counselor or therapist to get ideas on coping with the challenges that come up during the teen years.

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Humans, animals, and even plants can have albinism, a condition that gives people a kind of pale appearance. But what is albinism and what causes it? Albinism is a genetic condition where people are born without the usual pigment (color) in their bodies.

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The most accurate way to diagnose albinism is genetic testing to detect defective genes related to albinism.

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National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation

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Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and/or eyes. Albinism occurs in all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world. In the U.S., approximately one in 18,000 to 20,000 people has some type of albinism. In other parts of the world, the occurrence can be as high as one in 3,000. Most children with albinism are born to parents whose hair and eye color are typical for their ethnic backgrounds.

A common myth is that people with albinism have red eyes. Although lighting conditions can allow the blood vessels at the back of the eye to be seen, which can cause the eyes to look reddish or violet, most people with albinism have blue eyes, and some have hazel or brown eyes. There are different types of albinism and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. However, vision problems are associated with albinism.

Vision Considerations

People with albinism have vision problems that are not correctable with eyeglasses, and many have low vision. It's the abnormal development of the retina and abnormal patterns of nerve connections between the eye and the brain that cause vision problems. The presence of these eye problems defines the diagnosis of albinism.

The degree of impairment varies with the different types of albinism. Although people with albinism may be considered "legally blind" with a corrected visual acuity of 20/200 or worse, most learn to use their vision in a variety of ways and are able to perform innumerable activities such as reading, riding a bike or fishing. Some have sufficient vision to drive a car.

Dermatological Considerations

Because most people with albinism have fair complexions, it's important to avoid sun damage to the skin and eyes by taking precautions such as wearing sunscreen or sunblock, hats, sunglasses and sun-protective clothing.

Types of Albinism

While most people with albinism have very light skin and hair, levels of pigmentation can vary depending on one's type of albinism. Oculocutaneous (pronounced ock-you-low-kew-TAIN-ee-us) albinism (OCA) involves the eyes, hair and skin.

Ocular albinism (OA), which is much less common, involves only the eyes, while skin and hair may appear similar or slightly lighter than that of other family members.

Over the years, researchers have used various systems for classifying oculocutaneous albinism. In general, these systems contrasted types of albinism having almost no pigmentation with types having slight pigmentation. In less pigmented types of albinism, hair and skin are cream-colored and vision is often in the range of 20/200. In types with slight pigmentation, hair appears more yellow or has a reddish tinge and vision may be better.

DNA tests can determine the precise type of albinism. Research on albinism genes is ongoing. To date as many as seven forms of oculocutaneous albinism are now recognized - OCA1, OCA2, OCA3, OCA4, OCA5, OCA6 and OCA7. Some are further divided into subtypes.

* OCA1, or tyrosinase-related albinism, results from a genetic defect in an enzyme called tyrosinase. This enzyme helps the body to change the amino acid, tyrosine, into pigment. (An amino acid is a "building block" of protein.) There are two subtypes of OCA1. In OCA1A, the enzyme is inactive and no melanin is produced, leading to white hair and very light skin. In OCA1B, the enzyme is minimally active and a small amount of melanin is produced, leading to hair that may darken to blond, yellow/orange or even light brown, as well as slightly more pigment in the skin.

* OCA2, or P gene albinism, results from a genetic defect in the P protein that helps the tyrosinase enzyme to function. People with OCA2 make a minimal amount of melanin pigment and can have hair color ranging from very light blond to brown.

* OCA3 is rarely described and results from a genetic defect in TYRP1, a protein related to tyrosinase. People with OCA3 can have substantial pigment.

* OCA4 results from a genetic defect in the SLC45A2 protein that helps the tyrosinase enzyme to function. People with OCA4 make a minimal amount of melanin pigment similar to people with OCA2.

* OCA5-7 were recognized in humans in 2012 and 2013. They have reported mutations on three additional causative genes. As gene testing becomes available, and more people with these types of albinism are identified, the complete range of physical manifestations will be recognized, and may overlap with other known types of OCA. Currently, these types of albinism are considered to be uncommon.

Researchers have also identified several other genes that result in albinism with other features. One group includes at least 10 genes leading to Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome (HPS). In addition to albinism, HPS is associated with bleeding problems and bruising. Some forms are also associated with lung and bowel disease. HPS is a less common form of albinism but should be suspected if a person with albinism shows unusual bruising or bleeding or if a genetic test for a type of OCA produces inconclusive results.

Other albinism-related syndromes include Chediak-Higashi Syndrome and Griscelli Syndrome.

Genetics of Albinism

The genes for OCA are located on "autosomal" chromosomes. Autosomes are the 22 pairs of chromosomes that contain genes for our general body characteristics, compared to the one pair of sex chromosomes. We normally have two copies of these chromosomes and the many genes on them - one inherited from our father, the other inherited from our mother. For a recessive trait (like most types of albinism) to occur, both of the person's chromosomes must carry that trait. That means that most types of albinism result from inheriting an albinism trait from both the mother and the father who often have typical pigmentation. In this case, the mother and father are considered to be carriers of the albinism trait because they each carry a recessive gene for the condition but do not manifest the condition themselves. When both parents carry the albinism gene (and neither parent has albinism) there is a one in four chance at each pregnancy that the baby will be born with albinism. This type of inheritance is called "autosomal recessive" inheritance.

Ocular albinism (OA1) is caused by a change in the GPR143 gene that plays a signaling role that is especially important to pigmentation in the eye. OA1 follows a simpler pattern of inheritance because the gene for OA1 is on the X chromosome. Females have two copies of the X chromosome while males have only one copy (and a Y chromosome that makes them male). To have ocular albinism, a male only needs to inherit one changed copy of the gene for ocular albinism from his carrier mother. Therefore almost all of the people with OA1 are males. Parents should be suspicious if a female child is said to have ocular albinism. While possible if the mother is a carrier of ocular albinism and the father has ocular albinism, it is extremely rare.

For couples who have not had a child with albinism, there is no simple test to determine whether a person carries a gene for albinism. Researchers have analyzed the DNA of many people with albinism and found the changes that cause albinism, but these changes are not always in exactly the same place, even for a given type of albinism. Moreover, many of the tests do not find all possible changes. Therefore, the tests for the albinism gene may be inconclusive. If parents have had a child with albinism previously, and if that affected child has had a confirmed diagnosis by DNA analysis, there is a way to test in subsequent pregnancies to see if the fetus has albinism. The test uses either amniocentesis (placing a needle into the uterus to draw off fluid) or chorionic villous sampling (CVS). Cells in the fluid are examined to see if they have an albinism gene from each parent.

For specific information and genetic testing, seek the advice of a qualified geneticist or genetic counselor. The American College of Medical Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors maintain a referral list. Those considering prenatal testing should be made aware that people with albinism usually adapt quite well to their disabilities and lead very fulfilling lives.

Vision Rehabilitation

Eye problems in albinism result from the abnormal development of the eye because of a lack of pigment and often include:

* Nystagmus: Regular horizontal back and forth movement of the eyes

* Strabismus: Muscle imbalance of the eyes, "crossed eyes" (esotropia), "lazy eye" or an eye that deviates out (exotropia)

* Photophobia: Sensitivity to bright light and glare

* Refractive Error: People with albinism may be either farsighted or nearsighted and usually have astigmatism

* Foveal hypoplasia: The retina, the surface inside the eye that receives light, does not develop normally before birth and in infancy

* Optic nerve misrouting: The nerve signals from the retina to the brain do not follow the usual nerve routes

The iris, the colored area in the center of the eye, has very little or no pigment to screen out stray light coming into the eye. Light normally enters the eye only through the pupil, the dark opening in the center of the iris, but in albinism light can pass through the iris as well.

For the most part, treatment consists of visual rehabilitation. Surgery to correct strabismus may improve the appearance of the eyes. However, since surgery will not correct the misrouting of nerves from the eyes to the brain, surgery will not improve eyesight or fine binocular vision. In the case of esotropia or "crossed eyes," surgery may help vision by expanding the visual field (the area that the eyes can see while looking at one point). Surgical intervention is also available to minimize nystagmus.

People with albinism are sensitive to glare, but they do not prefer to be in the dark, and they need light to see just like anyone else. Sunglasses or tinted contact lenses may help outdoors. Indoors, it is important to place lights for reading or close work over a shoulder rather than in front.

Various optical aids are helpful to people with albinism, and the choice of an optical aid depends on how a person uses his or her eyes in jobs, hobbies or other usual activities. Some people do well using bifocals which have a strong reading lens, prescription reading glasses or contact lenses. Others use handheld magnifiers or special small telescopes, and some prefer to use screen magnification products on computers.

Some people with albinism use bioptics, glasses which have small telescopes mounted on, in or behind their regular lenses so that one can look through either the regular lens or the telescope. Some states allow the use of bioptic telescopes for driving.

Optometrists or ophthalmologists who are experienced in working with low vision patients can recommend various optical aids. Clinics should provide instruction in their use. The American Foundation for the Blind maintains a directory of low vision clinics. In Canada, support is available from the Canadian National Institute for the Blind.

Medical Problems

In the United States, most people with albinism live normal life spans and have the same types of general medical problems as the rest of the population. The lives of people with Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome can be shortened by lung disease or other medical problems.

In tropical countries, people with albinism who do not have access to adequate skin protection may develop life-threatening skin cancers. If they use appropriate skin protection, such as sunscreens rated 20 SPF or higher and opaque clothing, people with albinism can enjoy outdoor activities even in summer.

Social Considerations

People with albinism are at risk of isolation because the condition is often misunderstood. Social stigmatization can occur, especially within communities of color, where the race or paternity of a person with albinism may be questioned. Families and schools must make an effort to include children with albinism in group activities. Contact with others with albinism or who have albinism in their families or communities is most helpful. NOAH can provide the names of contacts in many regions of the country.
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Information Bulletin - What is Albinism?

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Learn more about Albinism - Albinism is an inherited genetic condition that reduces the amount of melanin pigment formed in the skin, hair and/or eyes. People with albinism have vision problems that are not correctable with eyeglasses, and many have low vision.

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A defect/mutation in one of several genes that produce or distribute melanin

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It's inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, X-linked ocular albinism can be passed on by a mother who carries one mutated X gene to her son

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protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays

prescription eyeglasses to correct vision problems

surgery on the muscles of the eyes to correct abnormal eye movements

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Albinism is a rare group of genetic disorders that cause the skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no color. Albinism is also associated with vision problems. According to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation, about 1 in 18,000 to 20,000 people in the United States have a form of albinism.

Different gene defects characterize the numerous types of albinism. Types of albinism include:

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA)

OCA affects the skin, hair, and eyes. There are several subtypes of OCA:

OCA1

OCA1 is due to a defect in the tyrosinase enzyme. There are two subtypes of OCA1:

OCA1a. People with OCA1a have a complete absence of melanin. This is the pigment that gives skin, eyes, and hair their coloring. People with this subtype have white hair, very pale skin, and light eyes.

OCA1b. People with OCA1b produce some melanin. They have light-colored skin, hair, and eyes. Their coloring may increase as they age.

OCA2

OCA2 is less severe than OCA1. It's due to a defect in the OCA2 gene that results in reduced melanin production. People with OCA2 are born with light coloring and skin. Their hair may be yellow, blond, or light brown. OCA2 is most common in people of African descent and Native Americans.

OCA3

OCA3 is a defect in the TYRP1 gene. It usually affects people with dark skin, particularly Black South Africans. People with OCA3 have reddish-brown skin, reddish hair, and hazel or brown eyes.

OCA4

OCA4 is due to a defect in the SLC45A2 protein. It results in a minimal production of melanin and commonly appears in people of East Asian descent. People with OCA4 have symptoms similar to those in people with OCA2.

Ocular albinism

Ocular albinism is the result of a gene mutation on the X chromosome and occurs almost exclusively in males. This type of albinism only affects the eyes. People with this type have normal hair, skin, and eye coloring, but have no coloring in the retina (the back of the eye).

Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome

This syndrome is a rare form of albinism that's due to a defect in one of eight genes. It produces symptoms similar to OCA. The syndrome occurs with lung, bowel, and bleeding disorders.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome

Chediak-Higashi syndrome is another rare form of albinism that's the result of a defect in the LYST gene. It produces symptoms similar to OCA, but may not affect all areas of the skin. Hair is usually brown or blond with a silvery sheen. The skin is usually creamy white to grayish. People with this syndrome have a defect in the white blood cells, increasing their risk of infections.

Griscelli syndrome

Griscelli syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder. It's due to a defect in one of three genes. There only have been 60 known cases of this syndrome worldwide since 1978. It occurs with albinism (but may not affect the entire body), immune problems, and neurological problems. Griscelli syndrome usually results in death within the first decade of life.

A defect in one of several genes that produce or distribute melanin causes albinism. The defect may result in the absence of melanin production, or a reduced amount of melanin production. The defective gene passes down from both parents to the child and leads to albinism.

Albinism is an inherited disorder that's present at birth. Children are at risk of being born with albinism if they have parents with albinism, or parents who carry the gene for albinism.

People with albinism will have the following symptoms:

an absence of color in the hair, skin, or eyes

lighter than normal coloring of the hair, skin, or eyes

patches of skin that have an absence of color

Albinism occurs with vision problems, which may include:

The most accurate way to diagnose albinism is through genetic testing to detect defective genes related to albinism. Less accurate ways of detecting albinism include an evaluation of symptoms by your doctor or an electroretinogram test. This test measures the response of the light-sensitive cells in the eyes to reveal eye problems associated with albinism.

There's no cure for albinism. However, treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent sun damage. Treatment may include:

sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays

protective clothing and sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays

prescription eyeglasses to correct vision problems

surgery on the muscles of the eyes to correct abnormal eye movements

Most forms of albinism don't affect life span. Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, and Griscelli syndrome do affect life span, however. This is because of the health problems associated with the syndromes.

People with albinism may have to limit their outdoor activities because their skin and eyes are sensitive to the sun. UV rays from the sun can cause skin cancer and vision loss in some people with albinism.

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Albinism is a rare group of genetic disorders that cause the skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no color. Albinism is also associated with vision problems. About 1 in 18,000 to 20,000 people in the United States has a form of albinism.

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Overview

The term albinism usually refers to oculocutaneous (ok-u-low-ku-TAY-nee-us) albinism (OCA). OCA is a group of disorders passed down in families where the body makes little or none of a substance called melanin. The type and amount of melanin in your body determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. Melanin also plays a role in the development and function of the eyes, so people with albinism have vision problems.

Symptoms of albinism are usually seen in a person's skin, hair and eye color, but sometimes differences are slight. People with albinism are also sensitive to the effects of the sun, so they're at higher risk of getting skin cancer.

Although there's no cure for albinism, people with the disorder can take steps to protect their skin and eyes and get proper eye and skin care.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Symptoms of albinism involve skin, hair and eye color, as well as vision.

Skin

The easiest form of albinism to see results in white hair and very light-colored skin compared with siblings or other blood relatives. But skin coloring, also called pigmentation, and hair color can range from white to brown. People of African descent who have albinism may have skin that is light brown or red brown and have freckles. For some people, skin color may be nearly the same as that of parents or siblings without albinism.

With exposure to the sun, some people may develop:

Freckles.

Moles, with or without color, which are sometimes pink.

Large freckle-like spots, called solar lentigines (len-TIJ-ih-neez).

Sunburn and no ability to tan.

For some people with albinism, skin coloring never changes. For others, melanin production may begin or increase during childhood and the teen years, resulting in slight changes in color.

Hair

Hair color can range from very white to brown. People of African or Asian descent who have albinism may have hair color that's yellow, red or brown. Hair color also may darken by early adulthood. Or hair may stain from contact with minerals in water and the environment, making hair appear darker with age.

Eye color

Eyelashes and eyebrows are often pale. Eye color can range from very light blue to brown and may change with age.

With albinism, the colored parts of the eyes, called the irises, usually don't have enough pigment. This allows light to shine through the irises and makes the eyes extremely sensitive to bright light. Because of this, very light-colored eyes may appear red in some lighting.

Vision

Vision problems are a key feature of all types of albinism. Eye problems may include:

Rapid, back-and-forth movement of the eyes that can't be controlled, called nystagmus.

An uncommon head position or head posture, such as tilting the head to try to reduce eye movements and see better.

Eyes that can't look at the same direction at the same time or they appear to be crossed, a condition called strabismus.

Problems seeing near objects or far objects, called farsightedness or nearsightedness.

Extreme sensitivity to light, called photophobia.

A difference in the curve of the front surface of the eye or the lens inside the eye, called astigmatism, which causes blurred vision.

Differences in the development of the thin layer of tissue on the inside back wall of the eye, called the retina. This difference results in reduced vision.

Nerve signals from the retina to the brain that don't follow the usual nerve pathways in the eye. This is called misrouting of the optic nerve.

Poor depth perception, which means not being able to see things in three dimensions and judge how far away an object is.

Legal blindness - vision less than 20/200 - or complete blindness.

When to see a doctor

At your child's birth, the health care provider may notice a lack of color in hair or skin that affects the eyelashes and eyebrows. The provider will likely order an eye exam and closely follow any changes in your child's skin color and vision.

If you observe signs of albinism in your baby, talk to your health care provider.

Contact your health care provider if your child with albinism experiences frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising or long-term infections. These symptoms may suggest rare but serious hereditary conditions that include albinism.

Causes

Several genes give instructions for making one of several proteins involved in producing melanin. Melanin is made by cells called melanocytes that are found in your skin, hair and eyes.

Albinism is caused by a change in one of these genes. Different types of albinism can occur, based mainly on which gene change caused the disorder. The gene change may result in no melanin at all or a big decrease in the amount of melanin.

Types of albinism

Types of albinism are grouped based on how they're passed down in families and on the gene that is affected.

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), the most common type, means a person gets two copies of a changed gene - one from each parent. This is called autosomal recessive inheritance. OCA is the result of a change in one of eight genes, labeled from OCA1 to OCA8. OCA causes decreased pigment in the skin, hair and eyes, as well as vision problems. The amount of pigment varies by type. The resulting color of skin, hair and eyes also varies by and within types.

Ocular albinism is mainly limited to the eyes, causing vision problems. The most common form of ocular albinism is type 1. This type is passed down by a gene change on the X chromosome. X-linked ocular albinism can be passed on by a mother who carries one changed X gene to her son. This is called X-linked recessive inheritance. Ocular albinism usually occurs only in males. It's much less common than OCA.

Albinism related to rare hereditary syndromes can occur. For example, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome includes a form of OCA, as well as bleeding and bruising problems and lung and bowel diseases. Chediak-Higashi syndrome includes a form of OCA, as well as immune problems with recurrent infections, problems with the brain and nerves, bleeding disorders, and other serious issues.

Complications

Albinism can include skin and eye complications. It also can include social and emotional challenges.

Eye complications

Problems with vision can impact learning, employment and the ability to drive.

Skin complications

People with albinism have skin that is very sensitive to light and sun. Sunburn is one of the most serious complications of albinism. Sun exposure can cause sun damage, which may result in rough and thickened skin. Sunburn also can increase the risk of developing skin cancer.

Because of the lack of skin pigment, a type of skin cancer called melanoma may appear as pink or red growths or moles, rather than the usual black or brown color. This can make skin cancer harder to identify at an early stage. Without careful and regular skin exams, melanoma may not be diagnosed until it's advanced.

Social and emotional challenges

Some people with albinism may experience discrimination. The reactions of other people to those with albinism can have a negative impact on people with the condition.

People with albinism may experience bullying, teasing or unwanted questions about their appearance, eyewear or visual aid tools. They may look different from members of their own families or ethnic groups, so they may feel like outsiders or be treated like outsiders. These experiences may cause social isolation, poor self-esteem and stress.

Using the term "person with albinism" is preferred to avoid the negative impact of other terms.

Prevention

If a family member has albinism, a genetic counselor can help you understand the type of albinism and the chances of having a future child with albinism. The counselor can explain the available genetic tests.

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In this group of inherited disorders, the body makes little or no melanin, a pigment that determines hair, skin and eye color and vision development.

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It takes away most or all of the melanin in you skin, can also give you vision problem, like rapid eye movement.

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How many and what type of people are likely to have the disorder?

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How many and what type of people are likely to have the disorder?

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Estimated 1 in 20,000 people worldwide are born with albinism, all racial and ethnic groups throughout the world can be affected.

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Oculocutaneous albinism is a group of conditions that affect coloring (pigmentation) of the skin, hair, and eyes. Explore symptoms, inheritance, genetics of this condition.