So many people recognize albinism, but only a few actually understand what albinism is all about with accurate information.

Albinism is a genetic, non-contagious condition caused by a lack or complete absence of the pigment melanin resulting in pale skin, light hair, pale eyes, and impaired vision. Albinism is a world distribution meaning found in all races though more prominent around the equator. For a child to be born with albinism, both parents must pass down the same recessive genes.

There are two main types of albinism; Oculocutaneous albinism which the eyes, skin, and hair are affected, and Ocular albinism affecting the eyes only. Oculocutaneous albinism is the most common form of albinism. Due to the lack or complete absence of melanin, as is the case with oculocutaneous albinism, the skin becomes prone to burn when exposed to ultraviolet light for long periods.

Albinism is also characterized by vision impairment conditions such as;

Nystagmus which is the rapid involuntary back-and-forth movement of the eyes

Strabismus is a condition in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object.

Photophobia also known as light sensitivity is the inability of the eyes to refract light from incandescent light, and fluorescent sunlight which causes pain and irritation causing PWA to squint.

Many myths have been attributed to albinism which has led to discrimination and stigmatization of PWA.