What Is Melanin?
Reviewed: Dr. Mera
9. Albinism
Albinism is a disorder that occurs due to very little melanin. Individuals with this disorder have blue eyes, white hair, pale skin, and vision issues. To avoid damage from the sun, sun protection is recommended. There are about nine types of oculocutaneous albinism.
The term “oculocutaneous” refers to affecting both the eyes and skin. This is an autosomal recessive disorder. The incidences of different forms of albinism vary among certain ethnicities. When albinism affects the eye color, it also affects visual acuity. There is also a connection between albinism and deafness. This association was first established by Charles Darwin who observed that cats that are entirely white with blue eyes are usually deaf.
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