Yes, albinism is considered a birth defect.
Understanding Albinism
Albinism is a congenital disorder, meaning it's present from birth. It's caused by a lack of melanin, the pigment responsible for the color of our hair, skin, and eyes. This lack of melanin leads to characteristic features like very pale skin, hair, and eyes. The condition is not a disease in itself, but rather a genetic condition that can lead to associated health issues.
Key Characteristics of Albinism:
- Reduced or absent melanin: This is the primary characteristic, impacting skin, hair, and eye color.
- Increased sun sensitivity: People with albinism are highly vulnerable to sun damage due to the lack of melanin's protective effects. This can lead to skin cancer and vision problems.
- Vision impairment: Many individuals with albinism experience vision problems, including nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements) and photophobia (sensitivity to light). In some cases, this can lead to legal blindness.
The reference states that albinism is a "congenital disorder that results in a lack of pigmentation (known as melanin) that gives colour to hair, skin and eyes". The fact that it's a congenital disorder—present from birth—directly classifies it as a birth defect. Other associated issues, such as sun sensitivity and vision problems, are consequences of this lack of pigmentation.
