what is an albino

Albinism is a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, the pigment that colors the skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have little or no melanin, which can affect their coloring and their eyesight. Most people with albinism have very pale skin, hair, and eyes, and they are prone to sunburn and skin cancer. Eye problems are also common in people with albinism, including sensitivity to light, lazy eye, and back and forth movement of the eyes. The easiest form of albinism to see results in white hair and very light-colored skin compared with siblings or other blood relatives, but skin coloring and hair color can range from white to brown. People of African descent who have albinism may have skin that is light brown or red-brown and have freckles. For some people, skin color may be nearly the same as that of parents or siblings without albinism.