Can people with albinism have eye surgery?

Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
Updated on September 06, 2024
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Generally, it is possible. Because people with albinism have eyes that are more sensitive to light, mainly because albinism affects the sclera and eyeballs, leading to this condition. However, surgery cannot restore the lost pigmentation in the eyeballs, meaning it is impossible to change the alterations on the eyeballs. It is necessary to prevent strong sunlight exposure, and the only option is to wear sunglasses, which can also reduce the stimulation of ultraviolet rays to the eyes, protect the eyes, reduce external damage, and ensure one can live normally as much as possible. Additionally, this type of disease may lead to malignant skin diseases and other issues due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.

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Written by Du Rui Xia
Obstetrics
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Can albinism be detected during pregnancy?

Prenatal genetic testing during pregnancy can be used to diagnose albinism. The incidence of albinism is very low, making it a rare disease clinically, yet it is not included in routine prenatal screening programs. If there are family members with albinism, especially couples who have already had children with the condition, prenatal testing and genetic counseling are necessary. Prenatal genetic testing can identify the specific gene mutation sites within the family. Furthermore, it allows for the use of third-generation IVF techniques to select embryos without the paternal or maternal gene mutations, which can then be implanted in the mother's body to prevent the birth of another child with albinism.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing
Obstetrics
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How should pregnant women screen for albinism?

Prenatal screening for albinism primarily involves chromosomal testing during pregnancy. Albinism is a single-gene hereditary disease caused by a defect in a single gene. It mainly occurs in children of consanguineous marriages where both parents carry the albinism gene. This is not a routine prenatal screening; it is only conducted if there has been a case of albinism in the family. Fetal chromosomal examination generally takes place between the 16th to 24th weeks of pregnancy during amniocentesis, where fetal cells are collected to conduct genetic testing to determine if the fetus carries the albinism gene.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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What should be paid attention to in daily life for albinism?

For those with albinism, it is crucial to avoid sunlight exposure, especially during strong ultraviolet radiation. It’s advisable to minimize going outdoors or use sun-protection tools such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, hats, and sunglasses to reduce direct UV damage to the eyes and skin. For patients with a syndromic type of albinism, once a genetic diagnosis is confirmed, it is essential to inform the doctor about the condition when undergoing dental extractions or major surgeries, so that preventive measures against bleeding can be prepared. Furthermore, patients with albinism must seek genetic counseling and reproductive guidance before marriage and childbirth. If skin lesions are mild in the early stages of albinism, proactive cooperation with medical staff and a diet rich in vitamins are recommended.

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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Does albinism have symptoms other than being white?

In addition to light skin, albinism also presents other symptoms. Individuals with albinism usually have white or yellow-white hair that is fine and soft. Their pupils appear red due to the lack of pigment in the choroid, and some might have congenital small pupils. The sclera may be transparent or appear pale red. People with albinism typically experience photophobia, tearing, frequent blinking, nystagmus (eye tremors), and astigmatism. Although most patients are healthy in other body parts, some with albinism may suffer from poor development, short stature, and intellectual disabilities. When albinism affects the eyes, it is accompanied by skin depigmentation, photophobia, and tearing. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can lead to conditions like solar dermatitis, actinic cheilitis (inflammation of the lips), increased wrinkling of the skin, and dilation of capillaries.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
46sec home-news-image

Can people with albinism have eye surgery?

Generally, it is possible. Because people with albinism have eyes that are more sensitive to light, mainly because albinism affects the sclera and eyeballs, leading to this condition. However, surgery cannot restore the lost pigmentation in the eyeballs, meaning it is impossible to change the alterations on the eyeballs. It is necessary to prevent strong sunlight exposure, and the only option is to wear sunglasses, which can also reduce the stimulation of ultraviolet rays to the eyes, protect the eyes, reduce external damage, and ensure one can live normally as much as possible. Additionally, this type of disease may lead to malignant skin diseases and other issues due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.