{"id":11025,"date":"2021-05-03T10:32:26","date_gmt":"2021-05-03T10:32:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=11025"},"modified":"2021-07-18T19:48:42","modified_gmt":"2021-07-18T19:48:42","slug":"albinism-and-low-vision","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-low-vision\/albinism-and-low-vision\/","title":{"rendered":"Albinism and Low Vision"},"content":{"rendered":"

Albinism affects at least 1 in 20,000 of the population.<\/b><\/h2>\n

Ocular albinism affects the eyes, causing dramatic loss of visual function and impact on the quality of life.<\/p>\n

What is albinism?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Albinism is a genetic disorder that results in the body\u2019s inability to produce melanin, a dark pigment that protects a person\u2019s tissues from ultraviolet radiation (UV) and gives the eyes, skin, and hair their color.<\/p>\n

The most common form of ocular albinism is Type 1 or Nettleship-Falls.<\/p>\n

Ocular albinism primarily affects the eyes, by reducing the pigmentation in the eye, which is essential for normal vision. In most cases it causes mild to moderate central vision impairment.<\/p>\n

While individuals with albinism retain some vision, many may be legally blind.<\/b><\/p>\n

While there is no cure for the condition, glasses, contacts and low vision aids and devices can help by maximizing a patient\u2019s remaining vision, allowing them to experience a much higher quality of life.<\/p>\n

Contact an eye doctor experienced in low vision<\/b><\/a> who can help understand your condition and show you the many options to allow you to enjoy your vision.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> Top Home Tips for Low Vision<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

\n\t\t

Find an eye doctor near you<\/h3>\n\t\t\n\t
\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\n\n\t\t