Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye disease that happens when fatty material builds up on the macula — the small part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. Vision loss usually starts in childhood — but some people with Stargardt disease don’t start to lose their vision until they’re adults.

What is star guard eye disease?

Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye disease that happens when fatty material builds up on the macula — the small part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. Vision loss usually starts in childhood — but some people with Stargardt disease don’t start to lose their vision until they’re adults.

Do you go blind with Stargardt disease?

In Stargardt’s disease, there is a genetic defect that causes the photoreceptors of the eye to die. Vision loss begins slowly and then rapidly progresses, affecting central vision so severely that it causes an affected person to become legally blind while preserving peripheral vision.

Can fundus Flavimaculatus cause blindness?

(In the United States, legal blindness is defined as visual acuity of 20/200 or worse while wearing corrective lenses.) Those who have the fundus flavimaculatus form of the disease, however, are likely to experience even more severe vision loss.

How rare is Stargardt?

Stargardt macular degeneration is the most common form of juvenile macular degeneration, the signs and symptoms of which begin in childhood. The estimated prevalence of Stargardt macular degeneration is 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 individuals.

Can Stargardt’s be cured?

There is Currently No Cure for Stargardt Disease Stargardt disease affects the eye’s retina, which is a light-sensitive layer of tissue lining the interior of the back of the eye.

Why is it called Best disease?

Best disease is a genetic condition. This means that it is caused by a “faulty” gene which may be inherited from a parent or occur as a new fault in the gene. Best disease can be caused by a fault in a gene known as BEST1 (also known as VMD2).

What age does Stargardt disease start?

Stargardt disease is usually diagnosed in people under the age of 20. There is a late onset form of the disease which can begin in people over the age of 50.

Can a child have macular degeneration?

Juvenile macular degeneration (JMD) is the term for several inherited and rare diseases that affect children and young adults. They include Stargardt’s disease, Best disease, and juvenile retinoschisis. They can cause central vision loss that often starts in childhood or young adulthood.

What is fundus Flavimaculatus?

Fundus flavimaculatus (FFM) is a Stargardt-like condition that is later-onset and slow-progressing. FFM presents with white or yellowish-white pisciform flecks possibly with foveal atrophy. While no treatment is available, studies are investigating novel treatment options.

When will there be a cure for Stargardt’s?

At this time there is no treatment available for Stargardt disease. However, researchers are studying gene and drug therapies. One promising study involves delivering a healthy version of the gene that causes Stargardt disease, ABCA4, into retinal cells to restore production of the normal protein.

Can people with Stargardt’s drive?

These low vision optics enable you to read signs and see traffic lights in the distance. So getting a driver’s license and driving safely with Stargardt disease – even if you are legally blind – can be an option!

How do people with Stargardt’s see?

People who have STGD have affected maculas, which sit at the center of the retina, and are responsible for central vision and the ability to see in high resolution and view color. As such, most people with STGD have intact peripheral vision. Stargardt also affects the rods and cones in the retina.

Can vision rehabilitation help people with Stargardt disease?

Vision loss usually starts in childhood — but some people with Stargardt disease don’t start to lose their vision until they’re adults. There’s no treatment for Stargardt disease, but vision rehabilitation can help people make the most of their remaining vision.

What is Stargardt disease of the eye?

Stargardt disease is a rare genetic eye disease that happens when fatty material builds up on the macula — the small part of the retina needed for sharp, central vision. Vision loss usually starts in childhood — but some people with Stargardt disease don’t start to lose their vision until they’re adults.

Why are general eye check-ups important for people with Stargardt disease?

General eye check-ups are important for people living with Stargardt Disease, as these individuals may still be at risk of developing other kinds of eye problems that can affect the general population, some of which may be treatable. No matter what level of vision a person may have, it is important to look after the eyes.

What are the symptoms of Stargardt disease?

What are the symptoms of Stargardt disease? The most common symptom of Stargardt disease is a slow loss of central vision in both eyes. Some people lose their central vision more quickly than others.