Albinism & Eyesight

[Saji]

Does Albinism reduce the eyesight of a garter? In other words does a wild type garter have better eyesight than an albino? My understanding is yes in humans. If the same applies to garters why breed an inferior snake?

Saji

[Saji]

NP

[guidofatherof5]

Does Albinism reduce the eyesight of a garter? In other words does a wild type garter have better eyesight than an albino? My understanding is yes in humans. If the same applies to garters why breed an inferior snake?

Saji

Nothing inferior about it(I know what you meant by "inferior" but a different word could be used)
It's just part of albinism. Too much light gets into the optic nerve. They are just more light sensitive.

[Saji]

Thanks Steve, I throw words out sometimes before I really think of its true definition. I am still trying to grasp some stuff. Albinism causes terrible eyesight in humans, in general. If a wild type garter has good eyesight wouldnt an albino have worse eyesight because of the genetic difference?

Maybe some of the genetic folks could chime in. I talked to a cornsnake breeder the other day( related to my other post) who said they have terrible eyesight already and albinism just makes it worse (has been breeding tons of different morphs since the early 90's).

So If I were to get an Albino Garter and keep it in low light would it have the same quality of eyesight as a wild type? I dont want to knock Albinos but I dont want an animal with worse eyesight do to genetics.

Saji

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks Steve, I throw words out sometimes before I really think of its true definition. I am still trying to grasp some stuff. Albinism causes terrible eyesight in humans, in general. If a wild type garter has good eyesight wouldnt an albino have worse eyesight because of the genetic difference?

Maybe some of the genetic folks could chime in. I talked to a cornsnake breeder the other day( related to my other post) who said they have terrible eyesight already and albinism just makes it worse (has been breeding tons of different morphs since the early 90's).

So If I were to get an Albino Garter and keep it in low light would it have the same quality of eyesight as a wild type? I dont want to knock Albinos but I dont want an animal with worse eyesight do to genetics.

Saji

Then you don't want an albino. Their eyesight is diminished because of the nature of albinism.

[Saji]

Thanks. I tend to over think things a bit:-)

[Saji]

*Gets up from desk and walks into office wall* "OUCH"!

[d_virginiana]

I have two albinos and three wild-type, (and one wild-type completely blind due to age). I can tell some difference between the albinos and wild-types, but it's not a huge difference. The albinos tend to strike a more wildly when they go after food, but they still can see me and start begging from across the room, and have no problem navigating their enclosures quickly. Basically no different till feeding time. The albinos might be a bit more skittish toward things moving around in the room, but idk if that's due to their eyesight or just their personalities.