Albinism

Rob Byrne

Causes

Occurs when genetic defects make the body unable to produce melanin

Type 1 - caused by defects that affect production of the pigment, melanin

Type 2 - due to a defect in the "P" gene. People with this type have slight coloring at birth.

Transmission

Transmitted genetically

A person can have it and not even know it

Any race or gender can get it

Diagnosis

Genetic testing is the only way to find out if you have the disease

Tested with a sample of blood, hair or skin

Signs And Symptoms

Absence of color in the hair, skin, or iris of the eye.

Patchy, missing skin color.

Crossed eyes Light sensitivity Rapid eye

movements Vision problems, or

functional .

Treatments

No real “cure” for Albinism

Laser eye surgery and visual rehabilitation

Glasses Avoiding Sunlight Because Albinism

is genetic there is no real way to prevent it