Works Cited

/, Area. "Genetic
Counseling." Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Web. 13 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/genecounseling.shtml>.

"Albinism/ Hypopigmentation/
Albinos." Medindia - Medical/Health Website. Web. 13 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.medindia.net/>.

"Albinism." University
of Kansas Medical Center. Web. 13 Mar. 2011.
<http://www.kumc.edu/gec/support/albinism.html>.

"What Is Albinism?" The
Vision for Tomorrow Foundation - Dedicated to Public Awareness of the
Non-degenerative Retinal Disorders That Cause Low Vision. Web. 13 Mar.
2011. <http://www.visionfortomorrow.org/>.

How possible is it that a cure will be found?

     There is a procedure that is in its' early stages called tenotomy. It has been shown to improve some of the eye problems associated with albinism. For more information contact Dr. Robert Burnstine of Akron Children's hospital at boomeriu@aol.com

What organizations can help a family cope with a child's disorder exist?

     Your local children's hospital's genetic counselor can help you cope with albinism. To find support groups go to www.kumc.edu/gec/support/albinism.html

What limitations does the person have?

     Eye problems and susceptibiltity to skin cancer and sun burn are the only limitations that a person with albinism would face.

What is everyday life like?

     People with albinism will experience difficulties in vision, but in most cases this can be corrected with glasses. They are also highly susceptible to sun burn and skin cancer, but this too can be avoided with sunscreen and protective clothing.
      Overall, people affected with albinism can do anything that they please.

How can the disease be treated?

     There are no current treatments for albinism. Eye glasses can correct sight and senscreen can protect skin. But as far as correcting the lack of melanin production there is no treatment.

What is the life expectancy of someone woth albinism?

     In developed parts of the world where sunscreen is readily available, people with albinism have a normal life span. If someone in an underdeveloped country had albinism and could not get sunscreen there is about an 80% fatality rate due to skin cancer.