Albinism By: Josiah Robinson January 24,2011

Albinism is an inherited condition present at birth, characterized by a lack of melanin that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. Many types of albinism exist, all of which involve lack of pigment in varying degrees. The condition, which is found in all races, may be accompanied by eye problems and may lead to skin cancer later in life.

Albinistic Girl From Papua New Guinea

1 in 20,000 people affected Inherited recessive alleles from both parents Not gender or race specific More common in some ethnic groups due to genes differing slightly among different races

Albinistic Girl From Honduras

There are many alterations of genes ALL affect production of melanin Melanin gives hair, skin, and eyes color Lack of melanin means lack of color

Lack of melanin give his hair a pale blonde color

Melanin protects skin from sun damage Albinoids are vulnerable to sun damage and dryness due to their lack of melanin Heavy duty sunscreen and protective clothing reduce sun damage

Albinoids often wear hats for sun protection

Vision problems plague Albinoids Eyes require pigment to function and focus properly Lack of pigment in the eye make the iris translucent, exposing the veins, giving the eye a red or pink color

Albinoids red eye, due to lack of melanin

Albinoids have underdeveloped optical systems Many albinoids are “legally blind” Strong glasses and contact lenses can help to some degree, though vision problems still occur

Overlapping nerves cause vision problems.

No cure for Albinism Temporary treatments such as eye surgeries have helped Albinoids reduce skin damage by dressing appropriately and wearing sun screen.

Albinism is one of the few genetic disorders that affect all species. All species have melanin, so all can have Albinism.