Albinism is a condition where a person experiences an abnormality in the production of melanin or pigment that causes the sufferer to have skin, hair, and even eyes that look very pale or white. Albinism cannot be cured. However, even though someone experiences albinism, this condition does not affect the quality of life of the sufferer. A person who experiences albinism can still live a normal life like someone who does not experience this condition.
Genetic Mutation Causes Albinism
The main cause of albinism is due to changes or mutations in one of the genes in a person’s body while still in the womb. The mutated gene has a function to produce melanin by melanocyte cells in the eyes and skin. Changes or mutations in this gene cause melanin production to be disrupted so that a person experiences albinism. Usually, albinism can be diagnosed by a doctor since the sufferer is born and this can be seen from physical characteristics.
Genetic mutations can also cause two types of albinism:
1. Ocular Albinism
Ocular albinism is an albino condition that affects the eyes and vision of the sufferer. Usually, the melanin levels affect the color of the retina. So when someone has ocular albinism, the sufferer experiences slight or even lost of vision. However, the sufferer will not experience significant changes in skin color.
2. Oculocutaneous Albinism
This type of albinism is the most common. Usually, oculocutaneous albinism affects the color of the skin, eyes, and hair of the sufferer. Of course, the impact of this type of albinism is felt more by the sufferer. Such as impaired vision or increased risk of skin cancer if the sufferer continues to be exposed to sunlight.
Albinism Cannot Be Cured
Albinism cannot be cured, but good treatment of albinism can reduce the symptoms or impacts that will occur. Babies born with albinism experience visual impairment in the first few months of their birth. Of course, this requires further medical examination.
There are several tests that need to be run to reduce visual impairment. The doctor will examine the pupil, the shape of the cornea, the direction of the eye and the direction of the baby’s vision. Untreated visual impairment has an impact on the baby’s ability to grow and develop. It is more difficult for babies to learn to walk or see an object.
People with albinism who experience skin disorders also require better skin care compared to people who are not in albinism. People with albinism are more sensitive to sunlight. It is better to use sunscreen when doing outdoor activities to maintain skin health and reduce the risk of other diseases such as skin cancer. Protect yourself with other equipment such as hats, shirts, trousers, and glasses.
There is nothing wrong with routinely doing health checks when entering pregnancy, especially if you have a family history of albinism. This check is to find out the chances of albinism in subsequent generations.