Stargardt’s Disease in College and How We Can Help with Customized Low Vision Glasses

Stargardt’s disease got its name in 1909 and is the most common form of juvenile macular dystrophy that begins in early life, usually between 6 to 20 years of age.

The disease involves the retina of eye, that’s responsible for changing light into electric signals that can be interpreted by the brain. The disease specially targets the cells in the macula of the retina, the ones responsible for the sharp and central vision with highest color perception. Therefore the disease results in central vision loss mainly while the peripheral vision remains intact.

Effects of Stargardt’s disease on a patient’s life

As the disease usually begins early in the life, it may be mistaken for psychological vision loss, mainly because the macula appears normal early in the disease. Specialized tests are to be performed to rule out or confirm stargardt’s disease in them.

Besides children, teens and adults are adversely affected by the disease as it impairs one of their most important senses, vision. It affects their study, job, entertainment and even routine daily life activities if left unmanaged and unaided.

Sudden awareness that a child’s vision is deteriorating and may deteriorate further over time is devastating. It’s important for the family and child to learn how to manage and take care of the low vision. Besides low vision management, they may also need counseling to help them and their child through the fear. Support groups are really helpful for such people.

Stargardt’s Disease – teens & adults in college

Students with stargardt’s disease can sometimes be categorize has having a vision disability. Patients and students with visual disabilities need to be well informed about their rights and responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of the colleges and universities. Being informed will help ensure they have a full opportunity to enjoy the benefits of the school’s educational experience without confusion or delay. Understanding and knowing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (Title II), which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability, is very important. Practically every school district and postsecondary school in the United States is subject to one or both of these laws, which have similar requirements. Although Section 504 and Title II apply to both school districts and postsecondary schools, the responsibilities of postsecondary schools differ significantly from those of school districts.  For more information click here.

Customized Glasses for Stargardt’s Disease

Most patients suffering with stargardt’s disease, and their parents, get disappointed as they are told that there’s nothing more that can be done! Well that’s not always true. With Customized Bioptic Glasses for stargardt’s disease and other new technologies teens and adults can have improved vision even if they are legally blind! These are customized bioptic glasses, utilizing low vision Telescope and Microscope lenses, designed and prescribed at the proper magnification and precise prescription for each individual, and each individual’s tasks. Customized bioptic glasses can improve one’s vision to enable one to drive, read small print, watch TV, see loved ones, perform routine daily tasks and enjoy their life too!

A new revolutionary technology called eSight (www.esighteyewear.com), are electronic glasses that utilize technology allowing legally blind people to see! The glasses are designed with sophisticated technology to support people with legal blindness.

The eSight glasses combine a camera, display technology, and advanced computing to deliver a real-time video that enables sight for people with vision loss. Users have complete control over the image they see, which means that can enhance, magnify, and adjust the image to ensure their eyes can best interpret their world.

eSight is hands-free, mobile, and multi-use, which means that users can move seamlessly between activities, including those that would otherwise be inaccessible due to low-vision.

Our patients say that the effects of eSight are remarkable: blind spots disappear, faces that haven’t been seen in years snap into focus, books and other entertainment are suddenly accessible and complete freedom of movement is returned.

Every eSight user has their own inspiring story of success to tell. For patients with stargardt’s disease eSight is truly life-changing!

Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA, are proud to be the first and only practitioners of eSight eyewear in the Mid-Atlantic region. Our mission is to provide the highest level of low vision care, help patients with stargardt’s disease and macular degeneration obtain functional vision, and enjoy their life again!