Stargardt’s Disease – being able to drive with Customized Bioptic Telescope Glasses

Stargardt’s disease is inherited form of juvenile macular degeneration. The disease progresses with age and basically involves the macula of the eye, that’s the area of the retina of eye that provides the sharpest vision.

Complications of Stargardt’s Disease – Patients start developing symptoms before the age of 20, usually between 6 and 12. The main symptoms of the disease include loss of central vision while the peripheral vision remains intact. On examination, there are characteristic yellowish flecks in and under the macula of the patient’s eye that may be extending in a ring-like fashion.

This results in disturbed vision and related complications resulting in life changing issues for the patient. E.g. they can’t read properly and thus affects their study and job, they can’t obtain a drivers license and even can’t enjoy the life to the fullest if not managed and helped properly.

Along with disturbed vision there is also decrease in the perception of color in the patients. This added with vision loss is one of the main reasons why patients are not able to drive once they develop the disease.

Driving with Stargardt’s Disease – Customized bioptic telescope glasses are designed for each individual, at the proper magnification and precise prescription. They are helpful in enhancing the distant vision for the patients with severely impaired eyesight, and are helpful for patients with Stargardt’s disease, even if they have reached the extent of legal blindness.

Customized bioptic telescope glasses are able to help legally blind people pass a driving test and drive again. “Our job is to figure out anything and everything possible to keep a person functioning,” says Dr. Thomas Azman, OD. “Whether it’s driving, reading, watching television, seeing faces, playing bridge… we work with whatever is on the persons “wish list,” even if it’s driving.”

Maryland and California are two of many states that allow the use of customized bioptic telescope glasses for driving. Bioptic telescopic glasses are prescribed to read signs and see traffic lights farther away. Customized microscopes reading glasses also help patients to be able to read the morning paper and watch television.

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At Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA we strive to provide our patients with the highest level of care, improved functional vision, and most importantly a better quality of life. If you or someone you care about is struggling with vision loss, there is hope. Legally blind and driving with Stargardt’s Disease is an option!