Albinism
What is Albinism?
Albinism is a condition in which people have little or no pigment in their eyes, hair, or skin. There are two kinds of albinism: those that effect only the eyes (ocular) and oculocutaneous, which effects the eyes, skin and hair. It effects people of all races. Most that are born with albinism have parents that have normal hair and eye color for the ethnicity. A common myth is that those with albinism have red eyes when in fact the amount of pigment in those that have albinism varies. Most of the people with albinism have blue eyes, but some have red violet eyes. However, do note that those with albinism suffer from eye issues, as well as problems with the skin. People who have albinism have faced ridicule, and are often harassed due to those not understanding what the term means. Approximately one in 17,000 will be an albino. The highest population that have albinism is the people of the sub-Saharan desert.
Types of Albinism
There are four different forms of albinism. Those include:
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 1(OCA1): Type 1 is a result of a genetic defect in which an enzyme called tyrosinase helps the body change amino acid tyrosine into a pigment. With OCA1, there are two types: OCA1A and OCA1B. With OCA1A, this enzyme is inactive and no melatonin is produced. White hair and very light skin are then formed. With OCA1B, the enzyme is active slightly, with a small amount of melatonin produced. The hair will then darken to blonde, yellow/orange, or light brown. There will also be more pigmentation to the skin.
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 (OCA2): Type 2 results from a genetic defect. This defect is found in the P protein and will help the tyrosinase enzyme function. Melatonin is produced at a minimum, so individuals can have light blonde to brown hair.
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 3 (OCA3): Type 3 is from a genetic defect from TYRP1, a protein that is related to tyrosinase. With type 3, there can be substantial amount of pigment to the skin.
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 4: (OCA4): Type 4 is also from a genetic defect, but is from the SLC45A2 protein. This protein helps tyrosinase to help function. There are small amounts of melatonin pigment produced.
If a person has albinism, they will always have eye problems. These issues will not be correctable with glasses. How impacted the vision is depends on the different type of albinism a person has. Many people with albinism are legally blind but do not read Braille. They still use their vision in many ways. Some are even able to operate a vehicle.
Many will albinism will have astigmatism. They can be far or near sighted, and may have a sensitivity to a bright light or glares ( this is referred to as photophobia). They may have a lazy eye, or eyes that cross. They may have optic nerve misrouting, in which the nerve signals from the retina to the brain do not follow the usual routes.
Another issue many face with albinism are skin issues. Many are very fair in complexion, so sun damage is a real concern. Those with albinism should always wear sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect themselves. They will also want to limit sun exposure and stay inside when the UV rays are at their peaks. People with albinism should also have their skin checked out on a normal basis by the dermatologist.
Albinism Treatment
Treatment consists of visual rehabilitation. Surgery may also be done on the eyes. Contact lenses might be prescribed to block out light transmission through the iris. There is no cure for albinism.
I am not really too familiar with those that suffer from albinism. I guess I have never seen or known anyone that had it. I am guilty of thinking that anyone that was a so called albino had the red eyes. But I am sure that there are many out there that think that way. I was surprised to know that it effects the eyes in the way that it does. I never knew that many of the ones that have albinism are legally blind. I guess I just assumed that they had good vision.
There was a lot that I did not know about those with albinism. I do have a question. Do they like to be called albinos? I would surely think that would be rather insensitive to one that suffers from this condition.
I have watched a documentary on those with albinism. Did you know that in Tanzania, some one kidnapped and killed a child who suffered from albinism. They then sold the body parts. It is estimated that a complete set of body parts from someone who suffers from albinism will go for $75,000.
I feel bad for those that are tormented due to have albinism. It is not their fault. Why some have to be so mean is beyond me. It is just because they do not fully understand what albinism is. I did not really know a lot about it either til I read this article but I feel that I am an understanding person and do not judge those by how one looks. I was thinking that many albinos did have the red eyes as well. I have never seen but only pictures of albinos, but I have seen an albino rabbit before and the eyes appeared to be red to me.
My cousin has albinism. I believe that hers is either type 3 or 4. She has some pigment to the skin but has almost white hair. And her eyes are not red! I am glad that this misconception was cleared up. Too many people do feel that any person with albinism have the red eyes. I really feel that is where some are freaked out by them. It makes me mad when others judge them because they are so pale and have different colored eyes.
My cousin does have a few issues with her eyes. She is not legally blind but was prescribed contact lenses to help shut out some of the light that makes her eyes rather sensitive. She is very cautious of the sun as well, always making sure to wear tons of sunscreen and will not be out in the direct light of the sun. She has several cute hats that cover her eyes to keep them protected as well. She does not need to be making them worse!
I am really surprised that there is not a cure for this. I know that one is born with it, but you would think that they would have a test to run before the baby was born to see if they could fix this or not. But really, I do not think that looking that way would be that bad. It is the vision part that would scare me even more. I never knew that many of them were legally blind. But it does make sense how it messes with the eyes like that! Is one able to tell at birth if a child is albino? Or does it appear after the child gets older?
Do those that suffer from albinism have the same amount of life expectancy that those who do not suffer from albinism have? Or are there any other risks associated with albinism that were not discussed?
I am really surprised that there is not a cure for this. I know that one is born with it, but you would think that they would have a test to run before the baby was born to see if they could fix this or not. But really, I do not think that looking that way would be that bad. It is the vision part that would scare me even more. I never knew that many of them were legally blind. But it does make sense how it messes with the eyes like that! Is one able to tell at birth if a child is albino? Or does it appear after the child gets older?