WHAT IS ALBINISM

Albinism is an inherited disorder where there is little or no production of the pigment melanin that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. It is to be noted that Melanin plays a vital role in the development of optic nerves too. So, people with albinism shall have vision problems too. 

SOME COMMON SYMPTOMS OF ALBINISM

Its signs  are usually quite apparent in a person's skin, hair and color of eyes, but at times differences are very mild. People suffering with albinism are also sensitive to the sun and are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer.

1. Skin : typically white hair and very light-colored skin compared with siblings  ranging from white to brown, and may be nearly almost the same as that of parents or siblings without albinism.With exposure to the sun, some people may develop freckles, moles-with or without pigment, sunburn.

2. Hair: Colour can range from very white to mild brown. While people of Asian descent with albinism may have hair color that's yellow, reddish or brown.

3. Eye color: Eyelashes and eyebrows are often pale. Color of eyes can range from very light blue to brown and may alter with age. With pigment lacking in the colored part of the eyes called irises, they appear somehow translucent. 

4. Vision impairment might  include:

• Rapid, involuntary back-and-forth movement of the eyes 

• Head movements, like bobbing or tilting the head, to try reducing involuntary eye movements and visualizing  better

• High nearsightedness or farsightedness

• Photophobia

• Astigmatism

• Abnormally developed Retina

• Misrouted  optic nerve

• Poor depth perception

• Partial or complete blindness

Causes

Autosomal Recessive Inheritance Pattern are largely responsible for Albinism as it is caused by a mutation in one of these genes. 

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

Diagnosis

1. A physical exam that includes checking skin and hair pigmentation

2. Detailed  eye check up

3. Genetic  Matching with Family Members 

4. Review of your baby’s medical history

Treatment : Till date, there has been no accurate cure for albinism, still the people with this disorder can take few steps to protect their skin and eyes. If the doctor observes a  lack of pigment in hair or skin in the newly born baby, the doctor will likely order an eye examination and closely monitor any other changes. 

Its treatment generally includes periodic  eye consultation, skin assessment and watchful medical monitoring of symptoms. 

SELF CARE: The following self care tips can help

1. Use low vision aids, such as a hand-held magnifying glass, a monocular or a magnifier that attaches to glasses, and a tablet synced to a smart board (an interactive electronic board with a touch screen) in the classroom

2. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater 

3. Strictly avoid high-risk or prolonged sun exposure

4. Wear  long-sleeve, collared shirts, long pants and socks; broad-brimmed hats; and special UV-protection clothing

5. Protect eyes wearing dark, UV-blocking sunglasses or photochromic lenses

6. Talk to a mental health professional who can help you and your child develop healthy communication and coping skills, if needed