Stargardt Disease

Stargardt disease is an inherited eye condition that causes progressive loss of central vision, usually starting in childhood or young adulthood.

Common symptoms

Gradual blurring and loss of central vision, difficulty reading and recognising faces, sensitivity to bright light, and reduced colour vision.

Description

Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular dystrophy. It is caused by changes in a specific gene that affect how the retina clears away waste products, leading to damage at the macula.

Central vision is affected first, often noticed at school or in the teens as difficulty reading the board or recognising faces. Side vision usually remains relatively well preserved.

There is currently no cure, but low vision aids, good lighting, and assistive technology can help with everyday tasks. Research into gene and drug therapies is active, and people with a confirmed diagnosis can often join patient registries or clinical studies.