The Physical Effects of Albinism
Albinism is caused by lack of production of pigment melanin in skin, hair, and eyes.
People with albinism do not have enough melanin in their bodies, which gives the color to skin, hair, and eyes. There are different types of albinism.
Oculocutaneous Albinism- People with white or pink hair, skin, and vision problems. This is the most severe form of albinism.
Ocular Albinism- affects only the eyes. No coloring in the back of the retina. Skin and hair color are in the normal range.
People with albinism will usually have the following:
-Absence of color in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye.
-Lighter than normal hair and skin. For some, skin can be very pale.
-Patchy and missing skin color.
-Cross Eyed
-Light Sensitivity (Skin very sensitive to sun exposure) Melanin helps protect against the sun's rays, therefore the lack of melanin makes sun burns and skin cancer more likely for people with albinism.
-Rapid eye movements from side to side
-Vision problems (Caused by abnormal development of the retina and nerve connections). May be far-sighted or near-sighted. Albinos usually need special optical aids. Most people with albinism have blue eyes, or a brownish color eye.
People with albinism do not have enough melanin in their bodies, which gives the color to skin, hair, and eyes. There are different types of albinism.
Oculocutaneous Albinism- People with white or pink hair, skin, and vision problems. This is the most severe form of albinism.
Ocular Albinism- affects only the eyes. No coloring in the back of the retina. Skin and hair color are in the normal range.
People with albinism will usually have the following:
-Absence of color in the hair, skin, and iris of the eye.
-Lighter than normal hair and skin. For some, skin can be very pale.
-Patchy and missing skin color.
-Cross Eyed
-Light Sensitivity (Skin very sensitive to sun exposure) Melanin helps protect against the sun's rays, therefore the lack of melanin makes sun burns and skin cancer more likely for people with albinism.
-Rapid eye movements from side to side
-Vision problems (Caused by abnormal development of the retina and nerve connections). May be far-sighted or near-sighted. Albinos usually need special optical aids. Most people with albinism have blue eyes, or a brownish color eye.