Oculocutaneous Albinism is one disease that is a part of a rare group of genetic disorders. This disorder depletes the color that the skin, hair, or eyes would normally have. This disorder also causes vision problems such as involuntary eye movements, increased sensitivity to light, and even reduced sharpness. Oculocutaneous Albinism occurs as a result of a mutation in the TYR gene. This gene produces the enzyme tyrosinase which is very important in the synthesis of melanin pigment.
|
About 1 in 18,000 people in the United States of America have this form of Albinism according to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypo-pigmentation.
|
Oculocutaneous Albinism has been known to lead to aggressive forms of skin cancer, most notably Melanoma. This is because they lack melanin or have little melanin in their skin cells, which generally protects us from the UV rays the sun gives off.
|
There is a myth that people who have oculocutaneous albinism have red eyes. In fact, they have blue, brown, and even hazel eyes. This red eye effect is a result of lighting conditions which can allow the blood vessels behind the eye to be seen.
|
Albinism. (2018, April 7). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/albinism/symptoms-causes/syc-20369184 Information Bulletin – What is Albinism? (2020, January 6). Retrieved from https://www.albinism.org/information-bulletin-what-is-albinism/ Q&A: A Global Rights Movement Hiding in Plain Sight. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/voices/q-and-a-an-international-movement-for-albinism-rights Solan, R. K. and M. (2018, September 17). Albinism: Causes, Types, and Symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/albinism |