Albinism

=Albinism= Definition- Inherited condition present at birth, characterized by the lack of pigment 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.

Symptoms

 * Affects hair, skin, and eyes. Increases sensitivity to sun (sun burn) which can raise risk of skin cancer.
 * Usually harms vision of eyes, but can improve vision.
 * Milky white skin, sometimes white to brown.
 * White to brown hair, may change when growing up
 * Eyes are light blue to brown. Can also change with age. May appear red because the lack of pigment can cause the iris's to become translucent.
 * Only affects melanin producing genes.
 * Vision syptoms include: nystagmus (rapid involuntary movement of the eyes), strabismus (both eyes can't move or stay in unison), photophobia (sensitivity to light), astigmatism (imperfect curvature of eye), and nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Treatments

 * There are limited treatments for Albinism.
 * Prescription lenses
 * Annual Examinations by an Opthalmologist
 * Surgery that minimizes nstygmus
 * Vision Aids
 * Sunscreen
 * Protective clothing
 * Protect eyes

Intereseting Facts

 * [[image:http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/images/map-nigeria.png]]


 * It is very rare
 * Fewer than five people per 100,000 have albinism in the United States and Europe
 * Most people with Albinism live in Nigeria

Cause
.
 * Caused by mutations in chromosome 11, chromosome 15, chromosome 9, and chromosome 5



Works Cited Olendorf, Donna, Christine Jeryan, and Karen Boyden. //The Gale encyclopedia of medicine//. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1999. Print. "Redirect Notice." //Google//. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . "Redirect Notice." //Google//. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . "Redirect Notice." //Google//. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. . "albinism - Bing Images." //Bing//. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. . "albinism - Bing Health." //Bing//. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. . "astigmatism - Bing Health." //Bing//. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Feb. 2012. .