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How do I know if I have Stargardt Disease?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Stargardt Disease. People who have experience in Stargardt Disease offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

Do I have Stargardt Disease?

Stargardt Disease, also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy or juvenile macular degeneration, is a genetic eye disorder that affects the macula, a small area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. This condition typically manifests during childhood or adolescence and gradually leads to a progressive loss of central vision.



Symptoms:


The most common symptom of Stargardt Disease is a gradual decline in central vision, which can affect activities such as reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. Other symptoms may include:



  • Blurred or distorted vision

  • Difficulty adapting to low light conditions

  • Color perception problems

  • Blank or dark spots in the central vision

  • Difficulty with depth perception



Diagnosis:


If you suspect you may have Stargardt Disease, it is crucial to consult an eye care professional, preferably an ophthalmologist or a retina specialist. They will perform a comprehensive eye examination, which may include:



  • Visual acuity test to measure your ability to see at various distances

  • Dilated eye exam to examine the retina and macula

  • Fluorescein angiography to evaluate blood flow in the retina

  • Optical coherence tomography (OCT) to obtain detailed images of the retina

  • Genetic testing to identify specific gene mutations associated with Stargardt Disease



Treatment and Management:


Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Stargardt Disease. However, certain measures can help manage the condition and improve quality of life:



  • Wearing sunglasses with UV protection to shield the eyes from harmful light

  • Using low vision aids such as magnifiers, telescopes, or electronic devices to enhance remaining vision

  • Participating in vision rehabilitation programs to learn adaptive strategies and skills

  • Regular monitoring of the condition to detect any changes or complications

  • Participating in clinical trials and research studies to contribute to advancements in treatment



If you experience any symptoms associated with Stargardt Disease or have concerns about your vision, it is crucial to seek professional medical advice. Early diagnosis and intervention can help in managing the condition and preserving vision for as long as possible.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
DNA testing and Fundus photography that will show yellow fleck on your around your retina.

Posted Sep 4, 2017 by Harry Batten 2021
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Posted Apr 4, 2018 by Etem 2500

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My grandson was,after many tests, diagnosed with Stargardts disease. What a shock to parents and grandparents! At first we tried to keep him in a mainstream school, bur this did not work out. The school still persisted with the isea that he had to wr...
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EVEN BEFORE I KNEW I HAD DISABILITIES, I HAVE ALWAYS FOCUSED ON MY ABILITIES AND THAT WILL NEVER CHANGE. JUST OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL I JOINED THE NATIONAL GUARD. AFTER FIFTEEN YEARS, AND ATTAINING THE RANK OF MASTER SERGEANT (E-8) AS THE SENIOR INSTRUCTO...
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HELLO EVERYONE MY NAME IS HEATHER AND I HAVE STARGARDT'. I STARTED TO NOTICE CHANGES IN MY VISION WHEN I WAS 16 YEARS OLD I WAS DIAGNOSED AT THE AGE OF 19 I AM NOW 29 YEARS OLD AND A MOTHER OF 4. AT THE AGE OF 21 MY VISION WAS 20/400 IN BOTH EYES. ...
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I have two daughters with stargardts both been diagnosed at moorfields . 18 year and 7 year old . 18 year old was diagnosed when she was 8 after being told for 2 years her eye sight was fine and she is seeking attention. Now stargardts is and always ...
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Had symptoms since I was fine years old. Got maculopathy diagnosis in 2001. In 2011 stargardt diagnosis was confermed with gene testing. 

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