ALBINISM

An African Mother and Her Albino Baby

CAUSES

Genetic Mutation Recessive Inherited

Gene Pale skin is caused

by no melanin pigment in the skin

Eye color is caused by lack of melanin

GENETICS If the mother and father both have recessive

albino genes, there is a chance the child could be albino.

It is a mutation in the genetic makeup

WHO GETS IT?

Any race or gender can get albinism

It is more common in males

Animals can even have it

Albino Lion

Normal Camel and Albino Calf

INCUBATION PERIOD

There is no incubation period. If someone has albinism, they are born with it. The disease

never goes away.

Albino Squirrel

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Pale skin White hair

Eye problems Translucent iris and

retina, causing the eye to have a blue color. More rare than blue, there is pink or red.

DETECTION

Observation, for many signs are obvious

An eye test A DNA test to look

for the mutation

Albino Child and Creepy Family

Albino Turtle

EFFECTS TO THE BODY

Due to the lack of melanin in the skin, there is no protection from the sun

Skin can easily get burned

Extremely poor vision

Light sensitive Fovea forms

incorrectly from lack of melanin

May cause nystagmus

Optic nerves grow incorrectly

Skin Eyes

PROGNOSIS & TREATMENT

There is no prevention from Albinism, since the person is born with it.

The skin can be protected by sunscreen and careful sun exposure.

Eye muscle surgery Eyeglasses or

contacts Eye patch to help

strengthen the muscles

Skin Eyes