THE CURIOUS CASE OF BEING AN ALBINO

WHAT IS ALBINISM?

Defending human rights of people with albinism

Albinism in humans is an inherited congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. Albinism is associated with a number of vision defects, such as photophobia, nystagmus, and amblyopia. Lack of skin pigmentation makes for more susceptibility to sunburn and skin cancers. Albinism is not limited to humans alone as it occurs in other organisms (reptiles and mammals) etc.

Pixabay - albino waliby kangaroo

Who is An Albino?

An albino is a person lacking normal pigmentation or coloration. Animals that are albinos lack pigmentation due to a congenital absence of melanin.

Types of Albinism
There are two types of albinism

1. Oculocutaneous albinism
2. Ocular Albinism

Oculocutaneous Albinism

Oculocutaneous albinism is a group of conditions that affect coloring (pigmentation) of the skin, hair, and eyes. Affected individuals typically have very fair skin and white or light-colored hair. Long-term sun exposure greatly increases the risk of skin damage and skin cancers, including an aggressive form of skin cancer called melanoma, in people with this condition.

Oculocutaneous albinism also reduces pigmentation of the colored part of the eye (the iris) and the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye(the retina). People with this condition usually have vision problems such as reduced sharpness; rapid, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus); and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).

Types of Oculocutaneous albinism
They are distinguished by their specific skin, hair, and eye color changes and by their genetic cause.

• Oculocutaneous albinism Type 1:
  This is characterized by white hair, very pale skin,and light-colored irises.

• Oculocutaneous albinism Type 2:
  This is typically less severe than type 1; the skin is usually a creamy white color and hair may be light yellow, blond, or light brown.

• Oculocutaneous albinism Type 3:
  This includes a form of albinism called rufous oculocutaneous albinism, which usually affects dark-skinned people. Affected individuals have reddish-brown skin, ginger or red hair, and hazel or brown irises.
  Type 3 is often associated with milder vision abnormalities than the other forms of oculocutaneous albinism.

• Oculocutaneous albinism Type 4:
  This has signs and symptoms similar to those seen with type 2.

Ocular Albinism

Ocular albinism is a genetic condition that primarily affects the eyes. This condition reduces the coloring (pigmentation) of the iris, which is the colored part of the eye, and the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Pigmentation in the eye is essential for normal vision.

Unlike some other forms of albinism, ocular albinism does not significantly affect the color of the skin and hair. People with this condition may have a somewhat lighter complexion than other members of their family, but these differences are usually minor.

The most common form of ocular albinism is known as the Nettleship-Falls type or type1.

Other forms of ocular albinism are much rarer and may be associated with additional signs and symptoms, such as hearing loss.

Famous Albinos of The World

Musician Salif keita, also know as Voice of Africa

Dennis Hurley - American movie producer, actor, writer, comedian, and singer

Shuan Ross - First male albinistic model in mainstream fashion industry

Being An Albino; The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Pains Of Being An Albino

Albinos are often:

• Segregated in the society
• Stigmatized
• Discriminated and maligned
• Dehumanization
• Brutal killings (especially for rituals in Africa)

Being An Albino Is Not A Curse ( The Good Stuff)

Albinos are humans with genetic disorders that just need to be properly understood.

• Albinos can live a long and healthy life.
• Albinos can bear children without the genetic traits that gives rise to albinism .
• The various color of the albino eyes comes from light reflected off the back of the eye, in the same way as camera flashes sometimes produce images with different eye.

CONCLUSION
To sum it up, albinism is genetic and thus is not contagious. And it doesn't make anyone less of a person. It's as genetic as having brown hair or blond hair, and since we don't think less of people with black, brown or blond hair, we should'nt think differently about a person with albinism.

Challenges albinos faced range from medical problems, family stigmatization and social discrimination. In sub-Saharan Africa, people with albinism and who cannot access proper skin protection are always susceptible to skin cancers. However, if these people use necessary skin protection, they can live a normal life. Social discrimination is the main challenge albinos are facing. Albinos have traditionally been socially excluded since the majority of people do not understand their conditions. In most circumstances, social stigmatization always occurs.

Most people are not aware of what causes albinism or its genetical implication. With increased awareness, albinism can be reduced.

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