Albinism is a genetic condition which affects the colour of the body tissues. People with the condition have little or no pigment in their eyes, skin or hair. In the more severe form, the iris of the eye appears pink and the skin white. There are several types of albinism and the loss of pigmentation varies. Therefore while some people with the condition have pinkish or violet eyes most have blue eyes or even hazel or brown eyes. Albinism is rare, affecting 1 in 20,000 people. It occurs in all geographic and ethnic groups.