Genetic disorder

Albinism

Kore ngarahu

Explanation of the genetic disorder

 The Albinism Disorder is a genetic disease that has a group of inherited disorders where there is little or no production of the pigment melanin. The type and amount of melanin your body produces determines the colour of your skin, hair and eyes. Melanin also plays a role in the development of optic nerves, so people with albinism have vision problems. Signs of albinism are usually apparent in a person's skin, hair and eye colour, but sometimes differences are slight. People with albinism are also sensitive to the effects of the sun, so they're at increased risk of developing skin cancer.

Who does it affect? 

One person in 17,000 has some type of albinism. Albinism affects people from all races. Most children with albinism are born to parents who have normal hair and eye color for their ethnic backgrounds. The condition affects people in many ethnic groups and geographical regions. Types 1 and 2 are the most common forms of this condition; types 3 and 4 are less common. Type 2 occurs more frequently in African Americans, some Native American groups, and people from sub-Saharan Africa.