Not entirely hopeless : Possible case of Stargardt’s disease

The disease is an inherited juvenile disorder that causes progressive vision loss in children and young adults.

Stargardt’s disease is an inherited juvenile disorder that causes progressive vision loss in children and young adults. First reported in the early 1909 by a German ophthalmologist Karl Stargardt, the disease affects approximately one in 10,000 children. The disease destroys central vision, but usually does not cause total blindness; peripheral vision is left intact.

The vision loss starts between the age of six and 12 and the disease is difficult to diagnose in early stages when there is mild loss of visual acuity. Measurements of visual acuity may also vary drastically due to effects of light exposure.

While there is unfortunately no cure for the disease, low vision care, adaptations in surrounding environment and emotional counselling can help children cope with the disease.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 19^th, 2010.