Albinism is a rare genetic condition that affects the amount of melanin produced in the body. Melanin is the pigment responsible for coloring skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism have very little or no melanin, resulting in extremely pale skin, hair, and eyes.
Albinism can affect people of all races and ethnic groups, including people who are Black. It is a lifelong condition that does not get worse over time.
Researchers estimate that oculocutaneous albinism (OCA), the most common type of albinism, affects 1 in 20,000 people worldwide. OCA affects at least 1 in 60,000 people assigned male at birth.
