General Information About Albinism
Disease Details and Frequently Asked Questions
It is the condition of color loss in the skin, hair, and eyes due to a defect in the genes that produce the melanin pigment, which is the body's biological coloring agent.
No, melanin not only provides color but also plays a vital role in the nerve development of the eye. Therefore, individuals with albinism have severe vision loss and eye twitching (nystagmus).
It is absolutely not a contagious disease. It is a hereditary condition passed from parents to the child in an autosomal recessive (recessive genes) manner.
Melanin is an armor that protects the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without this armor, individuals with albinism have a much higher risk of developing skin cancer at an early age.
The diagnosis is easily made based on physical appearance at birth. For detailed diagnosis and typing, genetic tests (DNA analysis) and comprehensive ophthalmological (eye) examinations are performed.
There is no genetic cure (treatment) for albinism. The approach is entirely preventive; high-factor sunscreens should be used when going outside, UV-protective glasses should be worn, and regular skin/eye screenings must be conducted.
Our health library contents are prepared for informational purposes only and with scientific data available at the time of recording. For all your questions, concerns, diagnosis, or treatment regarding your health, please consult your doctor or a healthcare institution.
