Sunday, March 1, 2009

Cure

Because this is a genetic disease,, there will be no cure for albinism, only treatments to make the symptoms less severe.

Orginazations

Here are some great websites and organizations that can help you learn more about albinism and support groups.

NOAH-National Orginaztion for Albinism and Hypopigmentation http://www.albinism.org/
National Society of Genetic Counselors http://www.nsgc.org/
American Society of Gene Therapy http://www.asgt.org/

"Genetic Professional Societies & Organizations ." Genetic Professional Societies & Organizations . 1 University of Kansas Medical Center. 1 Mar. 2009

< http://www.kumc.edu/gec/prof/soclist.html >.

Everyday Life and limitations

Thankfully, albinos can grow up to live perfectly normal lives. They can have any job they want and grow up to be very successful.

The only limitation for albinos is the fact that because of their low vision, it is difficult for them to drive. If they are said to have good enough vision from an eye test, then they are allowed to drive. Sometimes glasses or other seeing devices are needed but besides that, they can be allowed to drive.

"Albinism." Kids Health. 1 Nemours Foundataion. 1 Mar. 2009 .
< http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/skin/albinism.html >.

"Albinism and Driving." NOAH. 1 NOAH. 1 Mar. 2009 .

<http://www.albinism.org/publications/driving.html >.

Saturday, February 28, 2009

Treatment

Sadly there is no cure for albinism, however, there are ways to make the symptoms less severe.

~Visual aids recommended by the optometrist
~Eye muscle surgery, however this may not improve visibility, it will only stop the eyes from moving as much
~Wearing sunscreen is vital for albinos to prevent skin cancer or sunburn

"Albinism-Treatment." Medina.com. 28 Feb. 2009. Medina Health Network. 28 Feb. 2009

< http://www.medindia.com/patients/patientinfo/Albinism-Treatment.htm >.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of albinos varies from location to location.

In America, albinos have a normal life expectancy.

In Africa, however, most albinos die around the age of 40 due to the fact that they are more prone to skin cancer.


Brody, Jane E. "In Albino Studies, Scientists Search for Pigment Error." The New York Times 15 Sep. 1981. 28 Feb. 2009
< http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9401E7DB1739F936A2575AC0A967948260 >.

Physical symptoms



Some physical symptoms include:





~White skin and hair


~Pale areas of the skin


~More risk of sunburn or skin cancer


~Eyes wandering

~Lazy eye

~Fast movement of the eye

"Albinism-Symptoms." Medindia.com. 28 Feb. 2009. Medina Health Network. 28 Feb. 2009 .
<http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/Albinism-Symptoms.htm>.



http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k155/Kernacktur/1223695327435.jpg

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Diagnosing the Disease

The most common type of albinism is oculocutaneous albinism. This affects the skin, hair, and most importantly the eyes. The most severe cases causes these to turn white or pink, and also make the person have trouble seeing. There are two main causes of oculocutaneous albinism. These are:



Type 1: An amino acid, the building blocks of proteins in the body, called tyrosine is converted to another amino acid called melanin. However, if the enzyme that causes this to happen fails, then this will not occue.



Type 2: There is a defect in a gene. This only causes a slight problem in the pigmentation at birth.



There are several ways to diagnose albinism and carriers of albinism. One is merely obsevervation, noticing if the pigmentation is off. However, there is also a blood test now that determines carriers of albinism. Also, genetic testing is the most reliable, going through the genetics of the parents to determine if the offspring has it. Other ways include: an electroretinogram, chemical testing, and the tyrosinase test.


"Albinism-Diagnosis." Medindia.com. 28 Feb. 2009. Medina Health Network. 28 Feb. 2009

< http://www.medindia.com/patients/patientinfo/Albinism-Diagnosis.htm >.