Brown Albinism is Real!

Type 2 Albinism also includes OCA1B and OCA2

Type 2—decreased pigment, but may still have freckles and moles. This form of albinism is more common among persons of African descent. This form may be associated with such minimal pigment loss that it is evident only by comparison with other non-affected family members.

A person with albinism will have one of the following symptoms:

  • Absence of color in the hair, skin, or iris of the eye
  • Lighter than normal skin and hair
  • Patchy, missing skin color

Many forms of albinism are associated with the following symptoms:

  • Crossed eyes (strabismus)
  • Light sensitivity (photophobia)
  • Rapid eye movements (nystagmus)
  • Vision problems

Often many individuals have not learned that they have albinism until they reach adult hood, often because they don’t fit the typical appearance of what many know to be associated with the condition.

Growing many persons have brown skin, brown hair and with albinism often being associated with the appearance of white skin and blonde hair, person not fitting this description go through a lot dealing with low vision and not knowing the cause.

We have to be open minded and accepting of what it means to live with the condition and must take steps to get assistance for children through early intervention for potential issues with the vision and skin care. Not knowing can cause the child to be delayed and become out of touch with accomplishing expectations set for him or her. There are different types of albinism and genetic testing and a simple I eye exam can help get more specific results.

Take a look at some examples of Type 2 Albinism that you may not have noticed before. We all live with low vision and different skin care needs as a result of albinism, but with attention to the proper care our eyes will aid us in accomplishing some great things.

OCA 2

 

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