If someone was an albino would a doctor diagnose them? Would it be obvious that they had albinism and not just really pale skin?
2007-05-31 12:54:43 · 5 answers · asked by hilary 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Skin Conditions
The most accurate way to determine albinism and the specific type is genetic testing. This is helpful only in families with albinism and is not useful for the general population. A small blood sample is obtained from the affected individual and the parents and genetic analysis of the DNA code is performed to identify the affected genes.
The disorder may also be diagnosed based on the appearance of the skin, hair, and eyes. It is very helpful for an ophthalmologist to perform a complete examination of anyone with albinism. A electroretinogram test, to determine brain waves produced by light shined in the eye, can reveal 'abnormal wiring' of the visual system in ocular forms of albinism.
While most people with albinism have very light skin and hair, not all do. In less pigmented types of oculocutaneous albinism, (the type of albinism that affects both the skin and the eyes), hair and skin are cream-colored. In types with slight pigmentation, hair appears more yellow or red-tinged. People with ocular albinism (albinism that only affects the eyes) usually have normal or only slightly lighter than normal physical appearance. A common myth is that by definition people with albinism have red eyes. In fact there are different types of albinism, and the amount of pigment in the eyes varies. Most individuals with albinism have blue eyes. Some have hazel or brown eyes.
2007-05-31 17:39:25 · answer #1 · answered by RadTech - BAS RT(R)(ARRT) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had an acquaintance a while back who was an Albino. She had white hair and very pale skin and she was mostly blind. She had been that way her whole life, so I think that being an albino can be "diagnosed" early in life.
2007-05-31 13:03:53 · answer #2 · answered by Princess of the Realm 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
people who have albinism sometimes dont have really pale skin, the generally have white hair and sometimes red eyes.
2007-05-31 13:01:34 · answer #3 · answered by Anon omus 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aside from the very pale skin, hair would be extremely light to white and eyes are pinkish in color. Also it being hereditary, there would be a family history of it.
2007-05-31 12:59:36 · answer #4 · answered by biscuit 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
they have other problems and syptoms... red eyes for example.... sensitive to sun etc etc
2007-05-31 12:59:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋