What is Albinism?

April 08, 2021

Albinism refers to a group of inherited anomalies minimises the bodies production of melanin - the thing responsible for your skins shade.

As we know, a high concentration of melanin in individuals correlates to having a high level of protection from the damaging sun.

This also means that the lower or non-existent production rate of melanin in people with Albinism means the risk of skin cancer, eye conditions and sun sensitivity is high instead.

What many people do not know is that albinism is initially diagnosed primarily through an eye exam. The lack of melanin impairs their vision and makes it difficult for them to see properly. However, there are treatments that improve the quality of vision in people with albinism. However, there is no cure for albinism, as it is usually limited to the treatment of the eye, skin and hair. 

It is often assumed that people with Albinism have white hair and white skin, but this is not usually the case. Depending on the type of albinism and the severity of the mutated gene, an albino may have a small to moderate pigmentation and appear unaffected in some cases. The amount of melanin produced by the body in a person with albinism ranges from zero to almost average. 

Some Misconceptions

If both parents carry an albinism gene, the baby is more likely to be born with Albinism . But you can have a stacked family history with both parents having Albinism, and still be born without it.

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