Albinism & Nystagmus

Albinism is the name given to a group of inherited conditions in which there is a lack of pigmentation (colour) in the eyes and usually in the skin and hair as well. This means that many people with Albinism have a very fair, almost white, appearance, although in some
people Albinism affects the eyes only.

What are the characteristics of Albinism & Nystagmus?

Virtually everyone with Albinism has Nystagmus. Nystagmus is an uncontrolled movement of the eyes, usually from side to side, but sometimes the eyes swing up and down. It affects people in many ways and the effects vary from person to person. In all cases however, the vision will be blurred. Vision can vary during the day and is likely to be affected by sunny days and brightly lit environments.

Students with Nystagmus may tire more easily than other students because of the extra effort involved in looking at things.

Is there a treatment to arrest the progression of Albinism & Nystagmus?

Albinism is simply a genetic irregularity.

At this stage, there is no cure for Nystagmus. However, there are a number of ways in which people can control their Nystagmus.

Many people with Nystagmus are eligible to be registered as partially sighted or blind. It is important to note here that very few people who are registered as blind are actually totally blind.

Are there any useful teaching and learning strategies for people with this visual impairment?

For information on teaching and learning strategies, click here∞

Where can I find out more information?

Fighting Blindness
1 Christchurch Hall
High Street
Dublin 8
Tel: +353 1 709 3050
Fax: +353 1 709 3010
Web: http://www.fightingblindness.ie/∞


Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind
National Headquarters and Training Centre
Model Farm Road
Cork
Tel: 021 4878200
Fax: 021 4874152
Lo-call: 1850 5063000
Email: info@guidedogs.ie
Website: http://www.guidedogs.ie∞

National Council for the Blind of Ireland
Whitworth Road
Drumcondra
Dublin 9
Tel: (01) 8307033
Fax: (01) 8307787
Email: info@ncbi.ie
Web: http://www.ncbi.ie∞


Royal National Institute of the Blind
105 Judd Street
London
WC1H 9NE
Tel: 020 7388 1266
Fax: 020 7388 2034
Website: http://www.rnib.org.uk/xpedio/groups/public/documents/code/InternetHome.hcsp∞


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