Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of inherited disorders of melanin biosynthesis characterized by a generalized reduction in pigmentation of hair, skin and eyes. The prevalence of all forms of albinism varies considerably worldwide and has been estimated at approximately 1/17,000, suggesting that about 1 in 70 people carry a gene for OCA. The clinical spectrum of OCA ranges, with OCA1A being the most severe type with a complete lack of melanin production throughout life, while the milder forms, OCA1B, OCA2, OCA3 and OCA4, show some pigment accumulation over time. Clinical manifestations include various degrees of congenital nystagmus, iris hypopigmentation and translucency, reduced pigmentation of the retinal pigment epithelium, foveal hypoplasia, reduced visual acuity (usually 20/60 to 20/400) and refractive errors, color vision impairment and prominent photophobia. Misrouting of the optic nerves is a characteristic finding, resulting in strabismus and reduced stereoscopic vision. The degree of skin and hair hypopigmentation varies with the type of OCA. The incidence of skin cancer may be increased. All four types of OCA are inherited as autosomal recessive disorders. At least four genes are responsible for the different types of the disease (TYR, OCA2, TYRP1 and MATP). Diagnosis is based on clinical findings of hypopigmentation of the skin and hair, in addition to the characteristic ocular symptoms. Due to the clinical overlap between the OCA forms, molecular diagnosis is necessary to establish the gene defect and OCA subtype. Molecular genetic testing of TYR and OCA2 is available on a clinical basis, while, at present, analysis of TYRP1 and MATP is on a research basis only. Differential diagnosis includes ocular albinism, Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, Chediak-Higashi syndrome, Griscelli syndrome, and Waardenburg syndrome type II. Carrier detection and prenatal diagnosis are possible when the disease causing mutations have been identified in the family. Glasses (possibly bifocals) and dark glasses or photocromic lenses may offer sufficient help for reduced visual activity and photophobia. Correction of strabismus and nystagmus is necessary and UV protection is recommended. Regular skin checks for early detection of skin cancer should be offered. Persons with OCA have normal lifespan, development, intelligence and fertility.
Also indexed as
Albinism with haemorrhagic diathesis and pigmented reticuloendothelial cellsAlbinoBrown oculocutaneous albinismBéguez César syndromeChediak-Higashi-Steinbrinck syndromeChediak-Steinbrinck syndromeChédiak-Higashi syndromeCross syndromeHPS - [Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome]HPS - [Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome] without pulmonary fibrosisHPS 2 - [Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2] (MIM 608233)HPS7 - [Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 7] (MIM 614076)HPS8 - [Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 8] (MIM 614077)Hermansky-Pudlak syndromeHermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 2Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 7Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 8Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome type 9Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome with neutropaeniaHermansky-Pudlak syndrome with pulmonary fibrosisHermansky-Pudlak syndrome without pulmonary fibrosisMinimal pigment oculocutaneous albinismOCA - [Oculocutaneous albinism]OCA1-TS - [Temperature-sensitive oculocutaneous albinism]OCA1A - [Oculocutaneous albinism type 1A]OCA1B - [Oculocutaneous albinism type 1B]OCA2 - [Oculocutaneous albinism type 2]OCA3 - [Oculocutaneous albinism type 3]OCA4 - [Oculocutaneous albinism type 4]Oculocerebral syndrome with hypopigmentationOculocutaneous albinismOculocutaneous albinism type 1AOculocutaneous albinism type 1BOculocutaneous albinism type 2Oculocutaneous albinism type 3Oculocutaneous albinism type 4Oculocutaneous albinism, Amish typePlatinum oculocutaneous albinismRed oculocutaneous albinismRufous oculocutaneous albinismSteinbrinck anomalyTemperature sensitive oculocutaneous albinismTyrosinase-negative oculocutaneous albinismTyrosinase-positive oculocutaneous albinismXanthismXanthous oculocutaneous albinismYellow oculocutaneous albinism
Nearby in Albinism or other specified genetically-determined hypomelanotic disorders