Stargardt's Disease - is an inherited form of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the loss of central vision.
It is the most common form of childhood macular degeneration.
Stargardt's is a genetic condition that affects the area responsible for central vision known as the Macula. It is characterised as a progressive loss of vision, which most often leads to blindness. It first affects older children and young adults, with symptoms often presenting within the first 20 years of life.
The name Stargardt's disease is used to describe a group on inherited conditions that result in the deterioration of photoreceptor cells found in the retina. Scientists believe the cause is related to a mutation in the ABCA4 gene. As a result of the mutated gene, there is an increased production of vitamin A. The vitamin A by-products collects in clumps called, vitamin A dimers. These dimers are what causes Stargardt's, by damaging the photoreceptor cells of the retina.
Image of a cross section the anatomy of a human eyeball with labeled parts: iris, pupil, Sclera, cornea, retina, lens, macula, optic nerve)
It is the most common form of childhood macular degeneration.
Stargardt's is a genetic condition that affects the area responsible for central vision known as the Macula. It is characterised as a progressive loss of vision, which most often leads to blindness. It first affects older children and young adults, with symptoms often presenting within the first 20 years of life.
The name Stargardt's disease is used to describe a group on inherited conditions that result in the deterioration of photoreceptor cells found in the retina. Scientists believe the cause is related to a mutation in the ABCA4 gene. As a result of the mutated gene, there is an increased production of vitamin A. The vitamin A by-products collects in clumps called, vitamin A dimers. These dimers are what causes Stargardt's, by damaging the photoreceptor cells of the retina.
Image of a cross section the anatomy of a human eyeball with labeled parts: iris, pupil, Sclera, cornea, retina, lens, macula, optic nerve)
(Image of a cross section the anatomy of a human eyeball with labeled parts: iris, pupil, Sclera, cornea, retina, lens, macula, optic nerve)