IN SHORT
Date: Wednesday, June 13
Goal: Increase awareness among people about albinism
Albinism: An uncommon genetic disorder called albinism causes a person's skin, hair, and eyes to be pigmentless.
Causes: Genetic alterations that impact the synthesis of melanin
Symptoms: Color loss in the skin, hair, and eyes; issues with vision
Treatment: Sunglasses, clothing that protects, sunscreen, and eyewear
Every year on June 13th, the world marks International Albinism Awareness Day to increase public knowledge of albinism, a rare genetic disorder marked by a lack of pigmentation in the skin, hair, and eyes. Promoting awareness, understanding, and support for people who live with albinism is the main goal for this year.
What is albinism?
An hereditary condition that manifests at birth is albinism. It is caused by a genetic abnormality in any one of the several genes that generate or circulate melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Certain varieties of albinism, such as ocular albinism, can happen when a birthing parent delivers the gene to a male child; however, the majority of people with the condition have parents who are carriers of the gene without symptoms.
Causes of Albinism
Melanin production-related gene mutations are the cause of albinism. The body’s capacity to efficiently make or transport melanin is restricted by certain genetic abnormalities. Albinism can result from parents who carry these genes passing them on to their offspring.
Symptoms of Albinism
People who are albinos frequently display:
- lack of pigment in the eyes, hair, or skin
- lighter than typical skin, hair, or eye color
- areas of skin devoid of color
- improper growth of the retina and optic nerve, resulting in problems with vision
Treatment for Albinism
Albinism cannot be cured; however, some medications can help control symptoms and stop damage.
- Sunglasses to protect the eyes from ultraviolet light
- Sunscreen and protective clothes to protect the skin from UV radiation
- Spectacles to address visual issues
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