The eye needs pigment to develop normal vision, though the reason for this requirement is unknown. The retina develops improperly during fetal life, and vision cannot be totally corrected, even with corrective lenses. Nerve signals from the retina to the brain do not travel along the proper nerve routes. Normally light enters the eye only through the pupil, the dark opening at the center of the iris. But in albinism, the iris doesn't have enough pigment to screen out excess light, and it passes through the iris, as well.
Treatment generally consists of attempts to alleviate ocular deficiencies.
Surgery, though sometimes helpful for cosmetic reasons, does not seem to improve vision. Corrective and tinted lenses and specialized magnifiers and small telescopes may be of help in addressing vision problems. Albinism generally does not affect lifespan, though there is an increased incidence of skin cancer due to the lack of pigmentation, which serves to protect the skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreens are recommended for reducing exposure to the harmful ultraviolet rays. Overall, some type of albinism occurs in approximately one in 17,000 live births.