Important Facts You Should Know About Albinism

Albinism can be defined as a rare group of genetic disorders that causes the skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no color. It also occurs when a person produces little or no melanin in their skin and is usually associated with vision problems.

The prevalence rate of albinism in Nigeria is ranked amongst the highest in the world, with an estimated figure of over two million albinos living in the country.

Statistics also show that over 600,000 Nigerians living with the condition suffer discrimination from their families, schoolmates, and peers.

International Albinism Awareness Day is celebrated annually on June 13 to celebrate the human rights of people with the condition worldwide.

Here are some facts to know about it.

ALSO READ: These 6 Steps Are Important In Helping Your Child Cope With Albinism

Types

There are two main types:

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA): OCA is the most common type of albinism involving a lack of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. People with OCA also have vision problems. There are seven subtypes of OCA, and each affects your body in a slightly different way.

Ocular albinism (OA): OA is much less common than OCA. Ocular albinism mostly affects the eyes. 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.

Causes

Albinism is caused by a mutation in one of these genes. The mutation may result in no melanin at all or a significantly reduced amount of melanin.

The defect may result in the absence of melanin production or a reduced amount of melanin production. The defective gene is passed down from both parents to the child and leads to albinism.