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What is Albino
Albinism
(from Latin albus, "white"; see extended
etymology, also called achromia, achromasia, or
achromatosis) is a form of hypopigmentary congenital
disorder, characterized by a partial (in
hypomelanism, also known as hypomelanosis) or total
(amelanism or amelanosis) lack of melanin pigment in
the eyes, skin and hair (or more rarely the eyes
alone). Albinism results from inheritance of
recessive alleles. The condition is known to affect
mammals (including humans), fish, birds, reptiles
and amphibians. While the most common term for an
organism affected by albinism is "albino"
(noun and adjective), the word is sometimes used in
derogatory ways towards people; more neutral terms
are "albinistic" (adjective) and
"person with albinism" (noun). Additional
clinical adjectives sometimes used to refer to
animals are "albinoid" and "albinic
Treatment of
the Symptoms
Albinism is a condition that cannot be
"cured", but small things can be done to
improve the quality of life for those affected. Most
importantly to improve vision, protect the eyes from
bright lights, and avoid skin damage from sunlight.
The extent and success rate of these measures depend
on the type of albinism and severity of the
symptoms; in particular, people with ocular albinism
are likely to have normally-pigmented skin, and thus
do not need to take special precautions against skin
damage.
In physical terms, humans with albinism commonly
have vision problems and need sun protection. They
also face social and cultural challenges (even
threats) as the condition is often a source of
ridicule, discrimination, or even fear and violence.
Due to albinism's effect on one's outward
appearance, cultures around the world have developed
many beliefs regarding people with albinism. This
folklore ranges from harmless myth to dangerously
superstitious legends that cost human lives. In
Tanzania starting in 2007persecution of
albinos was initiated by which-doctors and their
helpers to provide magic potions for clients.
Other examples: In Zimbabwe, belief that sex with an
albinistic woman will cure a man of HIV has lead to
rapes (and subsequent HIV infections). In Jamaica,
the albinistic have long been degraded, and regarded
as cursed, In the United State, an urban legend has
it that there are alleged "albino
colonies" in rural New Jersey.
Type
of Albinism
There are 10 types of
the most common form of the condition, known as
"oculocutaneous albinism," which affects
the eyes, hair, and skin. In its most severe form,
hair and skin remain pure white throughout life.
People with a less severe form are born with white
hair and skin, which turn slightly darker as they
age. Everyone with oculocutaneous albinism
experiences abnormal flickering eye movements (nystagmus)
and sensitivity to bright light. There may be other
eye problems as well, including poor vision and
crossed or "lazy" eyes (strabismus).
The second most common
type of the condition is known as "ocular"
albinism, in which only the eyes lack color; skin
and hair are normal. There are five forms of ocular
albinism; some types cause more problems-especially
eye problems-than others.
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