Albino describes a person or animal born without the usual pigments (natural coloring substances) that give skin, hair, and eyes their color. An albino rabbit has white fur and pink eyes instead of brown or gray fur and dark eyes. An albino peacock displays pure white feathers where other peacocks show brilliant blues and greens.

This condition, called albinism, happens because of the way a person or animal's genes work. Genes are like instruction manuals that tell bodies how to develop, and in albinism, the instructions for making pigment don't work the typical way. People with albinism usually have very pale skin, white or very light blonde hair, and light-colored eyes (often appearing blue, gray, or even pinkish because you can see blood vessels through the iris).

Albinism affects vision too. People with albinism often need glasses and may be sensitive to bright light. They also need to be careful about sun exposure since their skin lacks the protective pigment called melanin, which helps shield against sunburn.