Meet Nontobeko Mbuyazi, the model who calls herself 'God's masterpiece'
"I was nervous to meet Nontobeko as I have actually never spoken to someone with albinism. I wasn’t sure what I could or couldn’t ask and if my curiosity would be rude," said Keri Miller.
Listen to this week's episode of Keri's Couch or read the details under the podcast...
To understand individuals with Albinism better, I've decided to share my knowledge that I researched with you.
According to KZN Health, "Albinism is an inherited condition where a person is unable to produce normal colouring of the skin, hair and eyes (lack of pigments) The condition can be limited to the eye or involve the eye and the skin".
It is said that "Albinism is caused by defects in the hereditary material that determines skin colour. People who have normal pigmentation could be carriers of the hereditary material that is defective for skin colour."
Parents who have the defective skin colour can pass it onto their kids as well. It is also possible for kids to get albinism from their parents who have a normal skin colour.
Here are the signs and symptoms of Albinism, as reported by KZN Health:
- Eyes
- Light brown to pale blue in colour
- Sensitivity to the sun ( photophobia)
- Fast involuntary back and forth movement of the eyes, which improves with age (nystagmus).
- Squinting (strabismus)
- Visual impairment and low vision.
- Skin
- Very light and pale in colour
- Freckling or pigmented patches might develop on sun-exposed areas (ephedlides).
- Very sensitive to the sun (burns easily)
- Hair
- Hair colour ranges from white, yellow, light brown to reddish.
- Eyelashes and brows whitish
- Intelligence
Although there are many signs and symptoms, one should note that these may not apply to all people who have albinism.
Thank you, Nontobeko, because you were open, friendly, and allowed me to really cross the line. I hope that this Keri’s Couch will help others like me to understand others like you ♥