Nystagmus and iris translucency are characteristic, and visual acuity may be reduced. Although there is no definitive treatment for albinism, genetic counseling is important, and patients with albinism must be advised to use ultraviolet-blocking sunglasses to reduce photophobia and sunscreens to minimize the risk of skin cancer. Vitiligo Vitiligo, a more common disorder than albinism, results from the destruction of melanocytes in the skin. This condition affects one percent of the population. Onset often occurs in young adulthood, although the number of new cases rises with increasing age.
Children have an increased incidence of segmental vitiligo.
Vitiligo is probably inherited as an autosomal dominant characteristic with incomplete penetrance and variable expression. Hairs within the vitiliginous patch may be white or pigmented. Pigmented hairs may augur a greater likelihood for repigmentation. Spontaneous, cosmetically acceptable repigmentation is unlikely to occur. Vitiligo usually appears in otherwise healthy persons, but several systemic disorders occur more often in patients with vitiligo than in the general population.