What is albinism?
In short
- An inherited difference in melanin which affects how the eye develops. Reduced sight, light sensitivity and nystagmus are common. It does not get worse over time.
- Sight which glasses improve but do not make sharp, from early childhood.
- There is no cure for the eye problems caused by albinism, but treatment improves vision.
Also called: Ocular albinism, Oculocutaneous albinism
- Part of the eye
- Pigment and the retina
- Group
- Inherited retinal conditions
- Vision functions involved
- Light and glare, Contrast and detail, Focus
- Main source
- NHS
Albinism affects the production of melanin, the pigment which colours skin, hair and eyes. It is inherited and lasts a lifetime, but the eye problems do not get worse. People with albinism may have short- or long-sightedness, astigmatism, low vision which glasses cannot fully correct, nystagmus (eyes moving from side to side on their own), light sensitivity and a squint.
Low vision
Sight difficulties which ordinary glasses or contact lenses cannot fully correct. Glossary entry
Nystagmus
Eyes which move on their own, usually from side to side. Reduces sharpness. Often present from early childhood. Glossary entry
Large print
Text at 16 point or larger. Many organisations provide letters and books in large print on request. Glossary entry
How albinism can affect day-to-day life
You may recognise some of these situations, or none of them. The point is to find help with the things you want to do.
Bright classrooms and playgrounds
Glare makes it hard to see the board or a ball.
Sunglasses, a cap, a seat away from the window and a copy of the board work on paper or a tablet.
Reading small print
Text needs to be larger or closer than for other children.
A low-vision assessment finds the right magnifier or screen settings. Large print is a right in exams.
Changes you may notice
- Sight which glasses improve but do not make sharp, from early childhood.
- Eyes which move on their own, discomfort in bright light, and sometimes a squint.
Everyone is different. Symptoms on their own cannot identify a condition.
What to do about a new or sudden changeAssessment and care
There is no cure for the eye problems caused by albinism, but treatment improves vision. Glasses or contact lenses correct what they can, and children need regular eye tests. Low-vision aids include large print, magnifiers, small telescopic lenses for reading distant writing, large screens and devices which magnify displays. Tinted glasses, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat help with light sensitivity.
Inheritance
Albinism is passed on through genes. Parents usually carry the gene without having albinism themselves. A genetics service can explain the pattern in your family.
How vision is affected
These topics explain the parts of vision involved. They do not predict your sight, diagnose anything or show the condition itself.
Light and glare
Glare can be uncomfortable and can wash out detail. Where the light comes from matters as much as how much light there is.
Open the light and glare labContrast and detail
Sharp edges only help when they stand out from the background. Contrast, print size and blur each change how easy a task is.
Open the contrast and detail labFocus
The cornea and lens focus light onto the retina. A focusing problem is different from damage to the light-sensitive cells or the optic nerve.
Open the focus labEveryday support
Ask school or work for large print, a seat near the front and screens set to high contrast. Keep sunglasses and a hat to hand. The Albinism Fellowship runs meetings around the UK with phone and email support. RNIB covers low vision in education and learning.
Driving: you must tell DVLA about an eye condition which affects both eyes, or your only seeing eye. Driving and your eyesight
Common questions
Will my child's sight get worse?
No. The eye problems caused by albinism do not get worse over time. Glasses, low-vision aids and light protection make the most of the sight they have.
Why is my child so bothered by bright light?
Less pigment in the iris and retina lets more light in, which is uncomfortable. Tinted glasses, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat help.
Where can we meet other families?
The Albinism Fellowship runs meetings around the UK and offers phone and email support. RNIB covers low vision in education.
A question to take to your appointment
Which low-vision aids suit my child's reading and classroom, and who assesses them?Prepare your appointment checklist
Sources and review status
- Written by
- The Omnirx.io team, from the sources above
- Sources checked
- Page updated
- Next review due
- Clinical review
- Not yet. No clinician has endorsed this page.
- Reading level
- About 15 words a sentence, 192 words of guidance
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Cite this page
Glanced (2026) Albinism: what the name means, care and support. Omnirx.io team for Medstack Ltd. Available at: https://www.glanced.co.uk/condition/albinism/ (Accessed: ). Source checked 4 October 2026.
Educational information. Follow the advice of your own eye-care team.