Stargardt Disease
Stargardt disease, also known as juvenile macular degeneration, is a rare genetic disorder in which the macula deteriorates. The macula is an oval-shaped area at the center of the retina that controls our central vision and enables the eye to perform tasks such as seeing in fine detail, recognizing faces, and reading. Unlike age-related macular degeneration, which occurs in older adults, Stargardt disease typically manifests in older children, teens, and young adults. Vision can worsen over time.
How fast does Stargardt’s disease progress?
Vision loss in patients with Stargardt’s disease varies somewhat unpredictably. For many patients, they will experience vision loss within the first 20 years of their life, but for others, they may retain their vision well into adulthood.
Stargardt Disease Symptoms
The symptoms of Stargardt disease are similar to other macular conditions. In most cases, peripheral vision generally remains intact, while central vision becomes compromised. Symptoms include:
- Central vision issues
- Blurriness
- Distorted vision
- Dark areas in vision
- Changes in color perception
Choose Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY for Stargardt Disease in New York
At Vitreoretinal Consultants of NY, we are dedicated to providing exceptional retinal care to patients across the Greater NYC Metropolitan Area, including Queens and Manhattan, as well as Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester counties. For us, nothing is as important as your eyesight. Contact us with any questions, or schedule an appointment with VRC today.