DISEASE MAGAZINE
PAGE 2
Diagnosis
Albinism can be diagnosed using several techniques, but the most effective way of diagnosis is a Tyrosinase test, which is taken by chemically treating a strand of hair to see if there is any melanin in the strand. Tyrosinase tests can also be taken with eye tissue.
How is Albinism caused
Albinism is caused when a mutation forms in several genes in the affected organism's body. The genes that are affected are the genes that hold instructions on how to create proteins that cause colour in the skin, hair, or fur. Albinism is hereditary and can be inherited when both parents have the albinism gene, but do not have the albinism disease.
Treatments
Albinism has no know cure, however there are many treatments that can ease the pain and symptoms of the disease. High prescription glasses are generally given to people suffering from albinism to slightly improve their misalligned retinas. Prescription sunscreen is also used to prevent the incredibly fragile skin of a person with albinism.
Sources
health.nytimes.com
www.albinism.org
ghr.nlm.nih.gov
www.mayoclinic.com
www.medindia.net
Children and animals with albinism