According to the American Optometric Association, approximately 80% of what a child learns in school is acquired through vision, and […]
Stargardt disease is the most common form of juvenile macular degeneration. While there is no cure for it, there are options that can improve visual function.
Stargardt disease affects children and young adults over time by impairing vision and causing retinal degeneration. More than 30,000 people in the United States are affected by Stargardt Disease, the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. With Stargardt disease, progressive vision loss is caused by the degeneration of photoreceptor cells in the central portion of the retina called the macula.
The onset of Stargardt disease typically occurs during childhood or adolescence, however it can also start much later in life. Juvenile onset is defined as starting before age 21, adult onset is defined as beginning between 21 and 40 years, while late onset is defined as starting at age 41 or older.
One of the most common symptoms of Stargardt disease is a progressive loss of central vision in both eyes. Central vision loss occurs more quickly in some people than in others. Peripheral vision is typically preserved to some extent.
There may also be other symptoms, such as:
A child is usually at risk of developing Stargardt disease if their parents have it. Stargardt disease is caused by faulty genes (the ABCA4 gene) that must be passed down from both parents. A person who inherits the gene from only one parent will carry Stargardt disease, but won't exhibit symptoms. Some forms of Stargardt disease require a gene from just one parent to manifest symptoms, but they are extremely rare.
It is believed that genetic conditions are inherited either dominantly or recessively.
Dominant form
A dominant form of a disease occurs when only one faulty gene comes from one parent. If a parent has a faulty gene, there is a 50% chance that he or she will pass it on to their children. The chance for each child is the same regardless of his or her gender and order of birth.
Recessive form
The other form is recessive. In this case, both parents are responsible for passing on the defective gene. In the recessive form, neither parent has the condition, although both carry the faulty gene. Recessive inheritance has a 25% chance of passing on the condition to each child. The chance for each child is the same regardless of his or her gender and order of birth.
Usually, Stargardt disease is inherited as a recessive trait. A gene called ABCA4 on chromosome 1 is associated with this form of Stargardt disease. There is a less common dominant form of the disease caused by alterations to another gene called ELOVL4.
As part of the clinical diagnosis, eye doctors perform visual acuity tests, visual field tests, electroretinography (ERG), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT), which reveal macular anomalies and yellow-white fishtail flecks that are usually restricted to the central macula.
Fluorescein angiography can also be used to diagnose stargardt disease. It involves injecting dye into your arm. As the dye circulates through the retina's blood vessels, it is photographed. The photos of people suffering from Stargardt disease reveal a dark area within the retinal tissue. In this way, the eye doctor can diagnose Stargardt disease.
There is now genetic testing available to determine exactly what type of macular degeneration a patient has. It is the most accurate way to determine your condition's genetic basis.
Currently, there is no treatment available for Stargardt disease. There are multiple clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of different treatments for stargardt disease including trials looking at gene therapy, cell therapy, and pharmacology.
There are steps you can take to maximize your remaining visual function and enjoy your life to the fullest after vision loss.
A large number of Americans are at risk of losing their ability to drive due to eye conditions, like macular degeneration and stargardt's disease, which can cause them to lose their license. Having such conditions can have a profound impact on mobility, employment, and independence.
While each state has its own laws, in most states, someone with vision loss can drive with the aid of bioptic telescope glasses or other devices that improve their vision.
A bioptic telescope consists of a pair of glasses with a telescope attached above your normal line of sight. These can be attached to your regular eyeglasses and can be used either for one or both of your eyes. Bioptic lenses magnify images just like binoculars and help you see things better. Using these lenses allows you to see things that are much further away, which is one of their main benefits.
See our page on the driving laws in California with low vision.
One of the ways that a low vision optometrist will help a patient with Stargardt’s is through the reduction of glare and the improvement of contrast. This can be done through the use of colored tints which filter out certain wavelengths of light or through the use of digital devices such as handheld or tabletop CCTV’s.
The following tints are effective at reducing glare and increasing contrast for low vision patients:
The bright light sensitivity associated with Stargardt disease can be reduced by wearing sunglasses. Sunglasses can also protect your retina from UV rays that cause retina damage. It is not recommended to take more vitamin A than the daily recommended amount.
Don't smoke and stay away from passive smoking. There is some evidence that this may slow down the progression of Stargardt disease.
When someone loses their vision, especially at a younger age, it can lead to severe impairment in their quality of life. A low vision optometrist will help guide the patient in the process of improving their remaining vision with the help of low vision devices such as magnification, telescopes, high-tech devices, CCTV and lighting.
In many cases, people who use low vision devices can read, drive, sew, play cards, work, go to school, watch TV, use a computer or cell phone, and more, which they could not do without them. Since every patient has unique needs, it is imperative that you speak to a low vision optometrist, because they are capable of helping you find the best low vision aid tailored to your needs.
There are more than 30,000 people in the United States who suffer from Stargardt Disease. Stargardt disease is the most common form of juvenile macular degeneration that affects children and adults. This condition affects the macula, an area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Stargardt disease is characterized by progressive loss of central vision in both eyes. As of now, there is no cure for Stargardt disease, although there are many clinical trials exploring different treatment options. A low vision optometrist will help a patient with Stargardt to maximize their remaining vision by guiding them on the many different devices such as magnification, electronic devices, lightning, tints, and prisms that enable each patient to regain their independence. Call at (562) 925-6591 to schedule a low vision evaluation with our low vision optometrist.
I haven't actually used the optometrist side, so my review is limited to the vision therapy offered. This office was recommended by my occupational therapist for the treatment of my double vision following a stroke.
Love this location. I had a brain injury accident from day one one. All the team make you feel you still important and hope in the horizon after when the medical system fell you miserably. Dr. Ikeda very professional and very understanding about your issue. Two tombs up.
My husband and I were immediately impressed with Dr Ikeda. I was hit by a car while cycling which caused broken bones and three brain injuries. The brain injuries caused double vision. Dr. Ikeda examined my eyes and got me started on vision therapy with his occupational therapist who specializes in vision therapy. She (Chris) is absolutely great. I am impressed with the array of tools used to help recover my binocular vision. I am doing things I never thought were possible (balance boards etc). Chris pushes me and keeps me motivated. I really enjoy my sessions with her. The office staff is always friendly and they have a wonderful appointment reminder tool that makes it easy to keep my calendar up to date. I am happy the rehab center at Little Co. of Mary recommended them!!
The Vision Therapy is handled in a separate office through a different door from the shared waiting room. Chris, the vision therapist, has a wide and varied assortment of tools, equipment and resources to best evaluate and treat most vision issues. After just a few visits, my double vision became easier to control, using exercises developed during the therapy process. It was time well-spent.
I have been coming here since I can remember. I love it here. The staff is so amazing and nice. They explain everything they gonna do and never make you feel rushed. Dr. Ikeda has always been my doctor and I would never want another one. He is the doctor for my whole family and is always asking how everyone is doing. I am also so crazy about picking out my frames and have to try so many and each person who helps me take the time and lets me try them all on. I would never want to go anywhere else! I definitely would recommend this office to anyone looking for a great eye doctor.
This is not for the eye exam but for the frames selection portion. I brought my prescription from Kaiser here with my VSP insurance. The reception staff was very polite and professional. Manny helped me to pick out frames and explain my coverage. Very helpful and patient not like the individual at the other place I rated here on Yelp. I was running late and he still helped me and was not bothered at all. I am so glad I came here ..........very pleased.
Very professional staff and pleasant.
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