Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar

Focus Eye Care
1155 SE Alice's Road, Waukee, IA 50263
Call us at (515) 264-2445  

MONDAY - CLOSED
TUESDAY 11AM-7PM
WEDNESDAY 8AM-5PM
THURSDAY 8AM-5PM
FRIDAY 8AM-3PM
SATURDAY/SUNDAY - CLOSED

Menu
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Insurance & Payments
  • About Us
    • Meet the Optometrists
  • Eyecare Services
    • Contact Lens Exams
    • Eye & Vision Exams
    • Eye Surgery
    • Hard To Fit Contacts
    • Ortho-K
    • Computer Vision Treatment
    • Sunglasses
  • Frames
  • Blog
  • Community Content
  • Contact Us
    • Appointment Request
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Eye Diseases >
  • Stargardt Disease

Stargardt Disease

  • Created in Eye Diseases
Image of an optometrist using an eye examination machine.

Loss of eyesight and macular degeneration are typically associated with aging. Stargardt disease, however, an inherited form of macular degeneration, commonly affects children and young adults. Also referred to as Stargardt macular dystrophy (SMD) or flavimaculatus, the term Stargardt disease refers in particular to the form of inherited macular degeneration which affects individuals at a young age.

Cause

The death of photoreceptor cells located in the center of the retina (back of the eye) causes Stargardt disease. The photoreceptor cells of the macula, the center of the retina where light comes to a sharp point, are responsible for central vision. Central vision is used for activities like facial recognition, reading, watching television, and driving. Stargardt disease does not typically affect peripheral vision or motion-detecting vision.

Symptoms

A progressive loss of central vision is the primary symptom of Stargardt disease, in addition to difficulty seeing in low light and the eventual loss of color vision at late stages of the disease. The visual acuity of sufferers can deteriorate to vision as bad as 20/40 to 20/400.

Risk Factors

An inherited condition, Stargardt disease is passed on to a child via two parents carrying the recessive gene, where each parent has a recessive Stargardt gene paired with a normal gene. Children of two carriers have a 25 percent chance of inheriting two Stargardt genes linked together, and therefore inheriting the disease.

Research has identified the recessive gene associated with Stargardt disease, ABCA4, and individuals can be tested to find out if they are carriers. Couples who are both carriers of the Stargardt disease recessive gene can seek genetic counseling prior to having children to learn about the risks associated with the disease.

Diagnosis and Treatment

An eye care professional uses a slit lamp to diagnose Stargardt disease by observing the presence of yellow deposits of lipofuscin (a type of fat), which accumulate abnormally, and the presence of vitamin A dimers (clumps) in the retina.

Exposure to UV light has been shown to accelerate the disease's progress. Anyone diagnosed with Stargardt disease should always wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

  • Eyeglasses
  • Basic Visual Skills
  • All About Eyes
  • Protecting Your Eyes
  • Visual Rehabilitation
  • Pediatric Vision Issues
  • Glasses
  • Contact Lenses
  • Common Eye Conditions
    • Vision Impairment
    • Eye Lids
    • Age-Related
    • Injury & Irritation
    • Changes in Appearance
    • Cognitive and Acquired
  • Vision Problems
  • Eye Symptoms
  • Eye Diseases
  • A Child's Vision
  • What is Vision Therapy
  • Vision Therapy Programs
  • We Can Help With
    • Cataracts
    • Corneal Disorders
      • Disorders
    • Glaucoma
    • Refractive Disorders
    • Adult Strabismus
    • Retinal Disorders
  • Newsletters
    • Glasses & Frames
    • Contacts
    • Tips for Healthy Eyes
    • Conditions That Affect Vision
    • Kid's Vision
    • Amazing, Interesting Eyes
    • Medical Perspectives

Buy More, Save More!

Purchase 1 complete pair of glasses, get the 2nd pair 40% off, 3rd pair 50% off, and 4th pair 60% off!!!! Contact us for details.

Office Hours

Same day available!

Waukee Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

11:00 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

We are located at the corner of University and SE Alices Road

Call us at (515) 264-2445 to schedule your comprehensive eye appointment!

Contact Us
  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In