The lack of pigment that defines albinism affects not only outward appearance, but ocular development, as well. Oculocutaneous albinism affects pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. Ocular albinism exclusively affects the development of the eye. In these patients, skin and hair pigmentation appears normal. People with both forms of albinism experience congenital visual problems associated with lack of pigment in the eye.
Albinism is a genetic condition. Because of this, and because of the complexity of the eye, treatment options for vision problems associated with albinism are limited. However, there are existing treatments that can improve patients’ vision, and recent research in gene therapy may give new hope to sufferers.
Vision Problems Associated with Albinism
According to Richard and Laura Windsor of the Low Vision Centers of Indiana (2004), the defining characteristic of ocular albinism is poor development in the center of the retina. This area, called the foveal pit, controls fine vision in a normal eye. Without the ability to focus properly, people with albinism may experience:
- low visual acuity
- nystagmus (eye shaking)
- oscillopsia (disturbed vision in which fixed objects appear to move)
- strabismus (crossed eyes or eyes that otherwise do not move together)
- photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- unusual head or eye movements compensating for variations in vision
There is no surgery or treatment that can correct the developmental defect in the retina of the eye. However, there are some treatments for the specific symptoms associated with albinism. Additionally, vision aids and other treatments that work for the general population can improve the visual acuity of albinism sufferers, as well.
Treatments for Ocular Albinism
While ocular albinism can result in varying levels of visual disability, sufferers can generally adapt well. The disorder is not degenerative, so vision problems that develop later can usually be attributed to the types of vision disorders, such as myopia and hyperopia, that are common in the general population. Treatments for the general population can be used for ocular albinism sufferers, as well. These include:
- eyeglasses and bifocals
- prescription sunglasses
- contact lenses
- magnifiers
- surgical laser reshaping (LASIK)
- lens implant
- lens replacement
None of these, however, correct any of the congenital defects of ocular albinism. Surgery on the muscles that control eye movements can be used to correct strabismus and improve binocular vision. A similar surgery may be used to minimize nystagmus.
Hand-held telescopes, and bioptic telescope eyeglasses can help with the distance vision issues common in ocular albinism. While some of these devices can be bulky and make the wearer self-conscious, the BITA system is comparatively unobtrusive telescopic eyewear. Another company makes auto-focusing telescoping eyewear.
Research into Albinism
Albinism is a rare disorder that, according to the National Association of Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) affects approximately one in 17,000 people. Because ocular albinism is rare, non-degenerative, and its sufferers usually adapt well, there is very little research being done into therapies specifically for this condition. However, researchers are working on mapping the specific faulty genes that cause albinism.
Additionally, gene therapy has already been used to improve the vision of patients with congenital blindness. In 2008, researchers at the Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia successfully used gene therapy to improve the vision of three blind patients. While those patients suffered from a different vision disorder, the successful use of gene therapy as a treatment for that retinal disorder indicates that it may one day be used for ocular albinism sufferers, as well.
While there is no treatment specifically for ocular albinism, vision aids, surgery and the adaptability of those affected can minimize the impact of the vision disorder on patients with albinism. The successful use of gene therapy in treating a similar ocular disorder gives hope that a cure is on the horizon for the visual problems associated with albinism.
