Stargardt’s Disease Low Vision Help

Stargardt’s disease (fundus flavimaculatus or stargardt’s macular dystrophy) is a juvenile form of macular degeneration that affects children and young adults. The disease affects one in 10,000 people and is characterized by central vision loss early in life, while sparing peripheral vision.

Causes of Stargardt’s disease

Stargardt’s disease is an inherited disease. The gene mutation associated with vitamin A processing in the eye is passed on from both the parents to the child. If it’s received from one parent it doesn’t result in the disease. Almost 5 percent of the population is a carrier for the gene mutation resulting in retinal diseases including stargardt’s disease and others.

Progression of stargardt’s disease

The disease begins early in the life, usually before 20 years of age (as early as 6 years of age). However it’s difficult to predict the speed of disease progression or the extent of retinal damage because of the variations that may occur in same family members even who carry similar inherited tendencies.

Symptoms of Stargardt’s disease

Symptoms of the stargardt’s disease include:

• Loss of central vision while the peripheral vision remains intact
• Blurring and distortion of the vision
• Difficulty seeing in low light
• Difficulty recognizing similar faces
• Color vision loss (in late stages)

Stargardt’s Disease Low Vision Help

How to prevent or manage stargardt’s disease

Research indicates that exposure to bright light may result in triggering or enhancing retinal damage. Although there is no definitive treatment available for stargardt’s disease currently and only protection against bright light by sunglasses, etc. and avoiding ultraviolet light is must.

Once the disease develops, most people get disappointed thinking that there’s nothing that can be done now, however that’s not completely true. Customized Optical Systems, bioptics, can be used for stargardt’s patients and they prove to be real help and provide functional vision and enjoyment in life.

Customized Optical Systems are hands free specialized glasses, designed for each individual and their individual goals. These customized eyeglasses utilize telescope and microscope lenses designed specifically for low vision conditions including stargardt’s disease and macular degeneration. For more than 40 years we have been designing and prescribing Customized Optical Systems and improving our patient’s quality of life!

New Stargardt’s Disease Low Vision Technology

eSight eye wear a new low vision technology provides customized electronic glasses for patients with Stargardt’s disease, even at the stage of legal blindness! eSight combines 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 doesn’t just enhance sight, it gives people the freedom to use their sight in any way they choose.

Low Vision Specialists of MD & VA is the first and only practice to offer the eSight technology in the Mid-Atlantic region.

For over 40 years we have been providing the highest level of advanced low vision care and continue as new research and technology are available. We have a 98% success rate with improving our patient’s vision and see patients from all around the world.