Albinism occurs when one or several genetic defects makes the body unable to produce or distribute melanin, a natural substance that gives color to your hair, skin and iris of your eye. Melanin, called also photo protective pigment, absorbs the ultraviolet light, preventing skin damages and takes part in the development of normal vision. Albinism, the lack of melanin, is an inherited disorder.

It is commonly believed that a person affected by albinism has white skin and red eyes. In fact, there are two main categories of albinism: oculocutaneous (no melanin in skin, hair and eyes) and ocular (no melanin in eyes); the tone of the skin differs among different people with albinism. The color of the eyes ranges from grey to blue or brown.

Eye problems, as far-sightedness, short-sightedness and astigmatism are frequent Nevertheless, with the help of glasses, vision can improve but never gets at the normal level. As a result of lacking melanin, the vision is not clear and the depth of field reduced.

Albinism also frequently causes skin problems: many people suffer sunburns that can develop skin cancer. Therefore, the skin needs appropriate protection.

The albinism incidence is very high in Equatorial Africa. People affected are subject either to the indifference of the rest of their community or to the prejudice that the disease is related to good and bad omen. Hence Albinos often live in hiding from the unforgiving communities around them.

The scarcity of economic resources in many African countries works against Albinos’ empowerment and literacy. Schoolings stops for most of them in the early years. Reading is often possible only with glasses which are too expensive for most.

In villages where traditional believes are particularily strong, their hardships are even more serious. A severe lack of information about their diversity and a shortage of means is forcing them to work exposed to the sun light, that exacerbates their health condition.

Those who manage to immigrate to the city, improve their quality of life both physically and socially, but is unlikely that they manage to escape from being the object of mockery.