Do albino people live full lives?

Answer 1

While not a life-threatening handicap Albinism has social consequences akin to a related condition, Visual impairment. Almost all albinos have some degree (In Humans) of visual impairment from mild myopia correctable with specs (some also require dark specs all the time as their eyes are too sensitive) to severe near and total blindness. It is far more common for a visual impairment in an albino to literally lead to (Sight failure) than well, This writer wears specs and has for over 40 years, there are focusing and astigmatism problems but these are corrected- the Albino has constitutionally weak eyesight which can get progressively worse over time abnd somemay need special UV correctionl. a whole host and range of occupations would be off limits to an albino. Like specs, it is a Visible as well as visual handicap and Albinos would be advised to avoid beaches and water sports due to hyper-sensitive skin two handicaps in one. I cant see any advantages except obviously the Draft would not be an issue. ( One speaks of the military induction here) Visual impairment- there are all different degrees, but the albino has this as (basic) plus skin sensitivity issues as well, it is a double handicap. A High White horse source?? Doctor me Eyes! No laughing matter.

Just as with everyone else, some do and some don't live full lives. A lot depends on a person's attitude and perspective on life. There is the visual challenge that may result in not being able to drive, although some people with albinism are able to drive. For those with the most common form of albinism, type 1 that affects hair, eyes and skin, causing them to appear very pale skinned with white or yellow hair, there may well be a degree of stigmatization against them by society. However, many people with albinism have friends and significant others. Many marry, have children, obtain degrees of higher education and practice fulfilling careers.

On a different level, there are other problems associated with albinism. Albinos in Burundi, Africa, are in constant fear of losing their lives. They are the subject of brutal hunts by witch doctors who murder them to use their body parts, believing that their albinism gives them special curative properties for conditions such as AIDS. Between mid-2007 and the end of 2008, 70 people were known to have been killed and dismembered by albino-hunters within a selected region of Tanzania alone. This does not take into account the unknown individuals who have suffered the same fate, and the numbers in other African countries.

The only way these people can survive is by sheltering at a refuge that has been set up for them in Ruyigi, where they are protected by armed police. In preserving their life, they have to give up their ability to provide for or assist with their families, for to return to their villages means almost certain death. Their self-imposed ostracism reduces their quality of life; without the shelter, their albinism reduces their length of life.

On top of that, the lack of pigmentation of African albinos, and the lack of availability of common westernised producst such as sunscreen, makes them more vulnerable to the effects of the harch African sun. skin cancer and burns are common.