Overview
Albinism is a genetic disorder where you’re born with less melanin pigment than usual. Melanin is a chemical in your body that determines the color of your skin, hair and eyes. It’s also involved in optic nerve development, which means it helps your eyes function as they should.
Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair and eyes. The exact skin tone, hair color and eye color can vary from person to person. Most people with this condition also have vision problems ranging from mild to severe.
What does albino mean?
The word “albino” comes from the Latin word “albus,” which means white. You might hear someone use “albino” to refer to a person with albinism. But healthcare providers and many people with this condition prefer to use “a person with albinism.” This term puts the person first rather than using a medical condition to define their identity.
What are the different types of albinism?
There are two main types of albinism:
- Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA): Oculocutaneous (pronounced “ock-you-low-kew-TAIN-ee-us”) albinism is the most common type of albinism. People with OCA have extremely pale hair, skin and eyes. They typically also have vision problems. There are seven forms of OCA, and each affects your body in a slightly different way. For example, your hair and skin may be lighter or darker depending on the specific form of OCA you have.
- Ocular albinism (OA): Ocular albinism is much less common than OCA. Ocular albinism mostly affects your eyes. It doesn’t affect your skin or hair much, if at all. OA usually leads to blurred vision, sensitivity to light and other symptoms that may affect how you see and interact with the world around you.
Albinism is sometimes a feature of a genetic syndrome. This means you have OCA or OA, as well as other medical conditions affecting different parts of your body. For example, albinism occurs as part of:
- Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS): This is a genetic metabolic disorder. People with HPS have albinism, as well as blood disorders, bruising issues and lung, kidney or bowel diseases.
- Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS): This is a genetic immune disorder that makes you more vulnerable to infections. People with CHS also commonly have albinism and may bruise or bleed more easily than expected.
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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