Growing up in the 70's, my first contact with albinism, was with a rock and roll stars, Edgar and Johnny Winters; you remember Edgars song Frankenstein right? They had bone white skin, and hair -- it was quite a topic of conversion to a bunch of 13 year olds. I wondered what caused that condition, I learned later it is caused by a defect in melanin production.

The Causes of Albinism

When the fetus is growing in the womb, a genetic defects makes its body unable to produce melanin, causing the hair, skin and eyes to lack color. You cannot catch this, it is a genetic condition, most often passed down from your parents.

Which Type of Albinism Do You Have?

There are four types of albinism:

• The first type of the condition is called "Type 1 Albinism". This type leaves no color to the skin at all. These patients may have powder white skin, and hair, with light colored eyes.
  
  
• The second type of albinism is called "Type 2 Albinism". These patients have a defect located in their "P GENE". They have some color to their skin.
  
  
• The third type of albinism is the most severe form of Albinism. It is called "Oculocutaneous Albinism". Patients with this condition have white skin, white hair, and iris color, as well as severe vision issues.
  
  
• Some patients only have alminism in the eyes, this is called "Ocular Albinism (OA1)", affects only the eyes.

What Are The Symptoms of Albinism

The typical symptoms are white skin and hair, and white or pink iris of the eye. The may also have vision problems such as cross eyes, sensitivity to light, and other vision problems.

Can You Avoid Passing On The Gene

If you believe you have albinism, you can ask you doctor to run genetic tests for the gene. This type of genetic testing is the best way to diagnose albinism. You should also have your eye doctor check your eyes, especially the back of the retnas with a electroretinogram exam.

Is There Treatment For Albinism

No, you can change your genes, at least not yet. Maybe in the future you might be able to use gene therapy to darken your skin, but for now, the best thing you can do is protect your skin, and wear protective glasses.

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