Albinism itself cannot be treated. However, it is important to address conditions related to albinism that respond to treatment and to manage those that cannot. For example, strabismus can be treated with glasses or surgery. Glasses can also help improve vision and reduce light sensitivity. For children with low vision, low vision aids such as hand-held magnifiers can help. For older children and adults, glasses with small telescopes mounted on the lenses may help with both close and distant vision.
Because of the vision problems that a child with albinism may have, it’s important that parents, students and teachers work together to consider seating, lighting and optical aids in the classroom.
Children and adults with albinism can benefit from participation in peer support groups. These groups can help the individual to feel less isolated, to learn positive attitudes and coping skills from others with low vision, and to gather valuable resource information.
Image reprinted, with permission, from Wygnanski-Jaffe T, Focal Points, Introductory Genetics for the Ophthalmologist, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2005.
