Albinism is a condition that is present in a person at birth. It refers to a partial or total lack of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, or part of the eyes. It is a genetic (inherited) condition.
While there are many different types of albinism, it remains quite a rare condition. The most common form, oculocutaneous albinism, affects the eyes, hair and skin.
Organizations |
Location | Est. |
Services |
Irish Health |
Dublin | 2000 |
Information Support for all forms of conditions including Albinism. |
HSE |
Nationwide | 2005 |
Information Support for all forms of conditions including Albinism. |
National College for the Blind Ireland |
Dublin | 1988 |
NCBI provides a variety of services to support people who are living with sight loss including information support, counselling, rehabilitation and employment support. |
Albinism is a condition that is present in a person at birth. It refers to a partial or total lack of the pigment melanin in the skin, hair, or part of the eyes. It is a genetic (inherited) condition.
While there are many different types of albinism, it remains quite a rare condition. The most common form, oculocutaneous albinism, affects the eyes, hair and skin.
For almost all types of this condition, both parents must carry the albinism gene in order to have a child with albinism.
The body has two sets of genes (one from each parent). If a person has one gene for albinism and one gene for normal pigmentation, he/she will have enough genetic information to make normal pigment. However if a person has two genes for albinism, and no gene for normal pigmentation, albinism results.
A person with albinism can have a combination of the following symptoms:
Those with albinism always have vision problems. This is due to an abnormal development of the eyes because of a lack of pigment.
Eye problems can include:
No. Albinism cannot be treated, however many of the problems associated with it can be alleviated. For example, some vision problems can be dealt with by an optician.
Sun protection is essential. The pigment melanin protects the skin from some of the effects of the sun’s rays (UV rays), such as sunburn. Some people do not have as much melanin as others and this explains why they may burn faster in the sun.
Because albinism refers to a partial or complete lack of melanin, albinos are much more susceptible to sunburn. They also have a greater chance of developing skin cancer.
As a result, people with albinism have to be especially careful when it comes to sun exposure. Ideally a person with albinism should avoid the sun between the hours of 10am and 3pm (when it is at its most intense). When exposed to the sun, sun block should always be worn.
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