![]() ![]() Ocular albinism (OA), which is much less common, involves primarily the eyes, while skin and hair may appear similar or slightly lighter than that of other family members. Oculocutaneous (pronounced ock-you-low-kew-TAIN-ee-us) albinism (OCA) involves the eyes, hair and skin. ![]() While most people with albinism have very light skin and hair, not all do. People with many types of albinism need to take precautions to avoid damage to the skin caused by the sun such as wearing sunscreen lotions, hats and sun-protective clothing. While most people with albinism are fair in complexion, skin or hair color is not diagnostic of albinism. Therefore the main test for albinism is simply an eye examination. It is the presence of these eye problems that defines the diagnosis of albinism. Vision problems in albinism result from abnormal development of the retina and abnormal patterns of nerve connections between the eye and the brain. Some people with albinism have sufficient vision to drive a car. The degree of vision impairment varies with the different types of albinism and many people with albinism are “legally blind,” but most use their vision for many tasks including reading and do not use Braille. People with albinism always have problems with vision (not correctable with eyeglasses) and many have low vision. However, all forms of albinism are associated with vision problems. Although some individuals with albinism have reddish or violet eyes, most have blue eyes. In fact there are different types of albinism and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. A common myth is that people with albinism have red eyes. Sometimes people do not recognize that they have albinism. Most children with albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye color for their ethnic backgrounds. They have inherited altered genes that do not make the usual amounts of a pigment called melanin. People with albinism have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair. The word “albinism” refers to a group of inherited conditions. Albinism little or no pigment in their eyes, skin, or hair ![]()
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