What is Albinism?
Albinism is a genetic condition which causes lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes. In the African community, albinism is present in 1 in 10,000 people. The mother and the father must both be carriers of the genetic trait to produce a child born with albinism.
Most people born with albinism have a decrease in visual acuity and have either nystagmus (dancing eyes, or involuntary movement of the eyes), sensitivity to glare, and/or astigmatism (a curved or bent cornea which causes blurred vision).
Africans with albinism can have hair colored either platinum blonde, golden blonde, yellow, strawberry blonde or drown. Most eyes are colored blue, gray, green or hazel brown. They are often mistaken foor being "Caucasian" or "white." This, however, is not the case.
People with albinism have sensitive skin and need to use a good sun screen for protection against the sun. A brimmed hat and sunglasses are needed in direct sunlight to protect from sensitivity to glare.
(More detailed information on albinism can be found on the "Related Websites" page of this site.) |
