A group of inherited disorders characterised by absence of or decrease in MELANIN in the skin, hair and eyes. The skin is pink, the hair white or pale yellow, and the iris of the eye translucent. Nystagmus (see under EYE, DISORDERS OF), PHOTOPHOBIA, SQUINT and poor eyesight are common. Protecting skin and eyes from sunlight is essential. In the tropics, light-induced skin cancer may develop early.