albinism and eye defect

So first of all, the lack of melanin affects the developing brain of the fetus, making the pathway between the optic nerve and the visual processing center of the brain different. This may be the root cause of nystagmus and may also affect processing of spatial information and storage of visual memories but there is little information on this.

Also, the part of the retina responsible for sharp vision, the fovea, is underdeveloped without access to melanin. (Foveal hypoplasia)

The iris is translucent or transparent, making the eyes much more sensitive to light. (photophobia)

Most people with albinism also have nystagmus, a rhythmic uncontrollable movement of the eye which can get worse with fatigue or stress.

Other eye problems like strabismus (eyes not tracking together) astigmatism (malformation of the cornea) and near or far sightedness are common.

In short, people with albinism are very sensitive to bright light, have a problem with sharp vision that is incorrectable by glasses, have an eye wiggle that interferes with muscular control of the eyes and hampers 3D vision, may also have visual processing problems, as well as a head turn, lazy eye, or other problems requiring surgery and/or corrective lenses.