Albinism

It is a congenital condition in which the inherited genes do not produce the proper amount of melanin, a pigment that gives color to our skin and eyes, resulting in the lack of color in the eyes, skin, and/or hair to varying degrees. Albinism affects a person’s ability to see images and a person’s sensitivity to light.

Parts of Visual System Affected and the Effects

Possible effects

Photophobia- sensitivity to light

Nystagmus-horizontal back and forth movement of the eyes

Strabismus-eye misalignment where the eyes may cross or turn outward

Vision - ranging from normal to legal blindness depending on severity of albinism

Parts affected

Underdevelopment of the retina (light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye.

Underdeveloped fovea (area of retina receiving clearest images)

optic nerve misrouting

Irises-colored part of eye- Pale irises allow light to penetrate into the eye instead of only through the pupil.

Types

Oculocutaneous Albinism

This type affects the whole body; it entails the lack of pigmentation in the eyes, hair, and skin.

Ocular Albinism

This type affects only the eyes, while the coloration of the hair and skin is normal or almost normal.

In people with albinism, sight signals cross when

optic nerves cross.

Treatment

There is no treatment for albinism; however the effects can be treated and managed. Eye misalignment and nystagmus can be helped with glasses or surgery. Glasses can be prescribed for low vision; tinted glasses can help with photophobia. Low visual aids and magnifying glasses can also be helpful

.

Functional Implications

People affected with albinism should wear sunglasses, hats, and possibly long sleeves to minimize sun exposure when outside. Teachers should accommodate students by providing appropriate seating, proper lighting, notes, and highlighters (if needed) according to the visual needs of the individual.

References:

Cassin, Barbara. (2006) Dictionary of Eye

Terminology, Gainesville: Triad

Crone,K.,& Jose R.T.,& Eldred,K.B., &Hanson,

K., &Perez A.M., & Woo, Stanley, &

“et.al”. (2004). Program in Low Vision

Therapy.(pp.5-6). Houston: Region 4

Education Service Center

Jasmin, Luc, MD, PhD, (2009, October 14)

Albanism. Retrieved July 04, 2010, from

Nasr, Susan L. (2008, July15). “How Albinism

Works.” HowStuff Works.com. Retrieved

July 06, 2010, from care/problems/medical/albinism.htm

The National Organization for Albinism and

Hypopigmentation .(n.d.) Parents of Children with Albinism.. Retrieved July

04, 2010, from

faq/childrenhtml

Developed by Phyllis Bryan