Stargardt Disease

Stargardt Disease Latest News

Researchers from Switzerland say they have developed a gene editing technique that could perhaps help treat Stargardt disease.

Stargardt Disease Overview

• It is also known as Stargardt macular degeneration, is commonly caused by changes in a gene, ABCA4. This gene influences how your body uses Vitamin A.
• It is an inherited disease that leads to progressive vision loss in children and young adults. It is usually bilateral, involving both eyes.
• People with Stargardt disease have too much lipofuscin -- it builds up over the macula, which is the central part of the retina and is responsible for clear and sharp central vision. Everybody’s eyes contain a yellowish-brown pigment called lipofuscin that builds up in cells as people age.

Symptoms of Stargardt Disease

The most common symptom of Stargardt disease is a slow loss of central vision in both eyes. Some people lose their central vision more quickly than others.

Other symptoms may include: Gray, black, or hazy spots in the center of your vision, sensitivity to light and color blindness

Prevalence of Stargardt Disease

• This disease was seen more commonly in males, presenting during the second decade of life.
• The disease prevalence was estimated at 1 in 8000 to 10000 populations, with deterioration of visual acuity leading to legal blindness and loss of central visual acuity

Treatment: There is currently no cure available for the disease.

Stargardt Disease FAQs

Q1: Can you live a normal life with Stargardt disease?

Ans: You can live well with Stargardt disease

Q2: What is the life expectancy of a person with Stargardt?

Stargardt disease has no impact on general health and life expectancy is normal. 

Q3: How bad is Stargardt disease?

Ans: Being diagnosed with Stargardt disease can be distressing, but with the right information and support, people can cope very well

Q4: Is there a treatment for Stargardt disease?

Ans: You can manage Stargardt disease, but you can't cure it.

Q5: How to prevent Stargardt disease?

Ans: Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding excessive light and not taking supplements that contain vitamin A

Source: TH