Albinism is a lifelong condition. This means that it will be present throughout a person's entire life. However, albinism is manageable with proper care and typically doesn't affect a person's lifespan. The condition is caused by a lack of melanin, a pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
While albinism doesn't shorten lifespan, it can present certain challenges like vision problems, skin sensitivity to sun, and increased risk of skin cancer. Management strategies include:
- Regular eye exams: To monitor vision and correct any refractive errors.
- Sun protection: Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
- Skin cancer screenings: To detect and treat any skin cancer early.
It's important to remember that the outlook for people with albinism can vary depending on the specific type of albinism and any other associated medical conditions.
