Albinism
Also known as: Achromia, Achromasia, or Achromatic's
Albinism:
A congenital disorder characterized by the complete or partial absence of pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes due to absence of tyrosinase.
Life as an Albino Person.
People can find out that they carry the genes for albinism by genetic testing. Many People think albinism just effects the color of their hair, or eyes. But they are wrong. Albinism actually effects their eye sight and more. Albinism is passed down by two recessive gene alleles, one from each parent. Sometimes in rare conditions it can come from one parent. Albinism is an x-linked recessive gene allele.
Frequently Asked Questions About Albinism
How is it treated?
Albinism doesn't specifically have a cure. But, there are treatments for the eye problems that are caused by Albinism.
Albinism doesn't specifically have a cure. But, there are treatments for the eye problems that are caused by Albinism.
Who is at risk of getting albinism?
Albinism is a hereditary disorder, so most of the time only children of parents who have albinism. Also children of parents who do not have albinism, but carry the altered genes that cause this disorder.
Pedigree of Albinism
Generation:
1st- The mother has albinism, but the father doesn't.
2nd- None of the second generation has albinism.
3rd- None of the second generation's offspring has albinism.
4th- Two girls have albinism, and two boys have albinism. Eight girls don't have albinism, and five boys don't have albinism.
1st- The mother has albinism, but the father doesn't.
2nd- None of the second generation has albinism.
3rd- None of the second generation's offspring has albinism.
4th- Two girls have albinism, and two boys have albinism. Eight girls don't have albinism, and five boys don't have albinism.
Who has had Albinism?
A well-known person that has albinism is John Dawson Winter III. He is known as an American blues guitarist. His popular name is Johnny Winter. One of his most popular songs is Rock 'n' Roll Hoochie Koo.
What is a Genetic Counselor?
Genetic counseling is the process by which patients or relatives at risk of an inherited disorder, are advised of the consequences and nature of the disorder, the probability of developing or transmitting it, and the options open to them in management and family planning. As a genetic counselor you can educate individuals, families, and communities about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research in genetic counseling, explain family history and the chance that a condition will occur or recur, and counsel an individual or family to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.
What I learned?
I learned that albinism can cause problems with your eye sight. I also found out that albinism can make the color of your eyes to appear red or purplish. People with albinism have to be very cautious while outside, they easily burn, and it can damage their skin even more.