Do albinos experience any health problems as a result of lacking pigmentation?

Asked by KatawaGrey (21483

) July 23rd, 2011

Obviously, I would expect an albino person or animal to be more sensitive to the sun, but I’m curious as to whether or not there are other ill effects. If so, what are they? If you don’t know, do you have any resources to which you can direct me?

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5 Answers

I think a lot of general health problems really commonly occur in albino people. I can’t tell you what exactly, but my mom has a friend who’s albino and has a lot of health problems that seem to be related. Sorry I couldn’t help more. :\

Mariah (25883

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I know someone whose daughter is albino and she has a lot of problems with her eye sight. I’m not 100% sure it’s related though, but I believe it is and it’s common for people with albinism to have eye problems.

Seaofclouds (23108

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@Seaofclouds Yes, people with albinism usually have problems with vision.

Read more: Problems due to Albinism http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/Albinism-Problems.htm#ixzz1Sz0mDZsn

desiree333 (3241

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@Seaofclouds : Apparently it is indeed related. According to my friend, who is almost completely afflicted with albinism, there is an enzyme lacking in the fetus that prevents the development of the macula, causing essentially the same difficulties in vision as an older person who suffers from macular degeneration.
@KatawaGrey : Richard (from Tennessee) has this issue.

JilltheTooth (19792

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