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Albinism - ocular albinism picture
Albinism is a genetic disease which affects very small percentage of people. This ailment is something which makes person affecting from it look completely white without any trace of black pigment.
What is albinism disease?
Albinism is characterised by the congenital absense of pigment. Albinism may be complete or incomplete. It consists of well defined areas of depigmentation seen anywhere on the body; there is no hyperpigmentary border. The hair in de- pigmented areas is white. The patches remain stationary. At times, it is very difficult to distinguish incomplete albinism from naevus achromicus and vitiligo in infancy. The course of these conditions helps to differentiate them. While the former two are stationary, vitiligo has a progressive but enigmatic course. Further, the later develops a hyperpigmentary border and even pigmentation inside the patches on treatment.
Synonyms of Albinism
- Albinismus
- BADS
- Congenital Achromia
- Hypopigmentation
- Oculocutaneous Albinism
Complete Albinism (Albino)
It consists of complete and universal depigmentation of the skin, the hair and even the eyes. Albinos are very sensitive to the sun and UVR; their skins burn easily because the protective pigment is absent. the eyes show lack of pigment in the iris and choroid, hence photo phobia and nystagmus are common amongst them. Albinos may be physically and mentally backward.
How to get rid of albinism
Albinism is offen a heredo-familial disorder. There is no satisfactory treatment yet found. Anti-actinic creams and suitable clothing which gives adequate protection from the sun's rays, sunshade, etc. do help.
Types of albinism
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 ( OCA1 )
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 2 ( OCA2 )
- Oculocutaneous albinism type 3 ( OCA3)
- HPS or Hermansky-Pudlak-Syndrome
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