Albinism is an inherited condition present at birth, characterized by a lack of pigment that normally gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. It is a rare disorder and it occurs in fewer than five people per 100,000 in the United States and Europe. Other parts of the world have a much higher rate. Many types of albinism exist, all of which involve lack of pigment in varying degrees. The condition, which is found in all races, may be accompanied by eye problems and may lead to skin cancer later in life.

In most types of albinism, a child inherits flawed genes for making pigment from both parents. Because making pigment is complex, there are many genes that direct it. Every cell in the body contains a matched set of genes, one inherited from each parent. These genes act as a blueprint that guides the development of a...