Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy

Stargardt’s Macular dystrophy is an inherited disease passed onto children by their parents.

It is a recessive gene so parents may have normal vision.

Also known as Fundus Flavimaculatas, Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy is present in about 1 in 10,000 people.  It is a young persons disease and is characterised by central vision loss early in life.

Vision loss from Stargardt’s Macular dystrophy generally begins to show up within the first 20 years of a young person’s life, particular in early childhood.

Damage is associated with Vitamin A clumping in both maculae.  At this stage, there is no known treatment for Stargardt’s disease.  Patients are often advised to wear spectacles to enlarge reading material and to wear sunglasses to prevent damage from the UV rays of the sun.

Amsler grid is a useful self-test for macula degeneration or dystrophy.

Cover one eye, then focus on the dot, do any of the lines look wavy, blurred or are there any missing and/or broken lines?

Can you see all corners and sides of the grid?

Do one eye at a time.  If the gird is distorted, call for an appointment with your Optometrist.

Download the grid at http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/amsler-grid.pdf