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Albinism: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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Unfortunately, despite years of sensitisation programmes, we live in a world where people are often judged by the colour of their skin. And sometimes, the complexion is not because of a race, it’s because of a condition. For instance, people with albinism don’t want their skin tone to garner any form of attention or sympathy, and yet, this genetic disorder that causes their skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no colour becomes their identity. So, as we celebrate International Albinism Awareness Day on June 13, with this year’s theme being ‘Made To Shine’, let’s make an effort to understand this disorder better. Also find out if health insurance plans can financially protect someone suffering from albinism. 

What Is Albinism?

Albinism is an inherited disorder in which there’s little or no production of melanin. Melanin is a pigment that controls or determines the colour of your skin, hair and eyes. A person with albinism has lighter coloured skin, hair and eyes compared to others. They are also at increased risk of skin, vision and social problems.

Albinism Symptoms

• Skin, hair or eyes are light or pale in colour

• Skin patches that have no colour

• Crossed eyes or strabismus

• Blindness or impaired vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Rapid eye movements or nystagmus

• Vision problems or astigmatism

Albinism Causes and Risk Factors

Albinism is a genetic disorder. A child will most likely be born with the disease if both parents have albinism or carry the gene. Some parents may be only carriers of the gene with no symptoms of the condition. The risk factors or complications due to albinism are sun burn and skin cancer due to their light-coloured skin, vision defects and social challenges. They may face discrimination or social stigma because of their appearance, leading to stress and poor self-esteem.

Albinism Diagnosis

Albinism is usually diagnosed at birth when the colour of hair and skin of the baby are lighter than the rest of the family members. The diagnosis will include a physical examination, an eye test (called an electroretinography) to check for vision problems associated with albinism. However, the most accurate way to diagnose is genetic testing which will help determine the type of albinism. If there’s a family history of albinism, doctors generally don’t recommend genetic testing.

Albinism Treatment

There is no cure for albinism. Treatment, which focuses on managing the symptoms or related conditions, include:

• Surgery to correct crossed eyes or strabismus. Crossed eyes is a condition in which the eyes point in different directions or are not lined up

• Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sun’s UV rays

• Wearing sun-protective clothing and hats to protect the skin from UV rays

• Regular use of sunscreen when going out

• Avoiding the sun as much as possible

• Prescription glasses for correction of vision problems

Albinism Prevention

If someone in your family suffers from this inherited disorder, you should talk to a genetic counsellor to understand the risk of your child inheriting the disease. The counsellor will also explain the tests that are available.

Albinism Outlook

Most people with albinism have a normal life span but those with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome and Griscelli syndrome are at increased risk of a shorter lifespan because of associated health problems. As their eyes and skin are sensitive to the sun, they need to avoid stepping out in the sun. There’s a high risk of getting skin cancer and losing vision due to the sun’s UV rays.

Conclusion

Though albinism has no cure, people with this condition can lead a normal and healthy life by managing the associated conditions such as skin and vision problems. Also, the right kind of health insurance plans can financially protect you if it covers albinism. In that case, the treatment expenses for any medical emergency that arises due to this condition will be covered by the insurer.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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