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Home » Our Services » Low Vision » Low Vision Eye Diseases » How Stargardt Disease Cause Low Vision

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How Stargardt Disease Cause Low Vision and How We Can Help

Does your child or teenager complain of blurry vision? Have they mentioned dark spots when they look at a computer screen or when reading a book? Maybe they’re having trouble seeing colors or it’s hard for them to recognize familiar faces? If this sounds familiar, your child could have a condition called Stargardt Disease.

What Is Stargardt Disease?

Stargardt Disease is an inherited form of Macular Degeneration. In fact, it’s often referred to as Juvenile Macular Degeneration. It is a congenital disease affecting children and adolescents, often beginning in kids between 6-12 years old, although it’s usually present at birth.

Stargardt causes gradual vision loss. Over time, it can deteriorate to the point of legal blindness. Our young patients struggle with central vision, distinguishing colors, reading comprehension, and seeing clearly in environments that have dim lighting.

child with Stargardt DiseaseWhat Causes Stargardt Disease?

Like Macular Degeneration, patients with Stargardt have a damaged macula. Since the macula is responsible for passing light that enters your eye onto the retina, when the macula is impaired, a patient’s vision becomes impaired, too.

Stargardt Disease is inherited genetically, so if both parents have Macular Degeneration, it’s possible that their child will have it, too. According to Dr. David Yesnick, patients with a family history of Macular Degeneration should getting checked as soon as possible. Early detection is essential for the most effective treatment.

Treatment for Stargardt Disease

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Stargardt Disease. However, low vision glasses and devices have shown success in helping patients with the condition experience improved visual clarity. Handheld magnifiers and telescopic lenses can enlarge images or objects, allowing you to see what you’re looking at in more detail. Some low vision devices are small enough to fit on top of glasses, especially helpful for driving lessons, computer work, or using a smartphone.

Handheld devices can magnify words, so your child can have an easier time reading, writing, or studying.

How Does Stargardt Disease Cause Low Vision?

A damaged macula disrupts healthy vision by interrupting the flow of light passing through the eye to the brain. When this happens, the brain cannot understand what the eyes see. Stargardt results in a loss of central vision with symptoms like blurry or wavy vision, blind spots, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing colors and contrast. The condition causes a rapid reduction in visual acuity before leveling off.

Any loss of vision can be difficult to experience, but for kids and young adults, it can feel emotionally devastating. We understand what your child is going through, and we’ll give them the tools they need to maximize their vision, so they can get back to enjoying life.

How We Can Help with Stargardt Disease

Stargardt Disease can make it difficult for children to do homework, play sports, get their license and more. At the Yesnick Vision Center, our goal is to help your child succeed in school, extracurricular activities, and in life.

Come see Dr. David Yesnick, who, by providing low vision aids, devices or glasses, can help enhance your child’s vision so that they can focus on learning and doing the things they love.

 

When Does Stargardt Disease Start?

In many cases, Stargardt Disease makes itself known in early childhood. In others, it may present itself later in the 20s of young adulthood. Whenever your child shows symptoms and however it affects them, we can help.

A Better Quality of Life for Your Child

Contact Dr. David Yesnick. Together with the knowledgeable, caring staff at the Yesnick Vision Center, we’ll help your child experience improved vision and a better quality of life.

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Reviews
Yesnick Vision Center is thee best place for all your optical needs! I only wished I discovered his practice sooner since moving from NorCal. Before Dr. Yesnick I’ve had a 30+ year relationship with my previous Optometrist and I am confident that I’ve finally found my next Optometrist for the next 30+ years. Dr. Yesnick and his staff are absolutely a class act. Knowledgeable, Professional, and Personable. The optical equipment they have is state of the art, the office/facility very clean and well organized. Best part is that they have a HUGE selection of eyeglass frames to choose from.
6 hours ago
- Steve S.
Sometimes God places angels right here on Earth. Sight is sometimes taken for granted but if you lose it, it changes your life. I would like to thank the staff for their professionalism with my husband and my son. A pure miracle when all hope was lost. I am so grateful for the doctors and the staff and their commitment to help people see again. I look forward to working together to change lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I would recommend this facility to anyone struggling with low vision.
12 hours ago
- Roxanne N.
Always a delightful experience when we come to this office. I bring the entire family for appointments and they never have an issue with it and always accept us with a smile. Doc is amazing with my children and is very through in doing his exams. Wouldn't go any place else.
7 days ago
- Michiko H.
Amazing service, start to finish! Best eye exam/service I’ve ever had! Professional start to finish, thorough, a detailed, all my needs met, and question's answered. Recommend to everyone
1 week ago
- Tj
Had excellent service from check-in on out. David and Christopher were very efficient in answering all of my questions. Thank you guys for your awesome service.
1 week ago
- charissa W.
Excellent & friendly service. Reasonable prices
1 week ago
- Robert T.
I have been a patient at Yesnick for many years! The staff are wonderful and I feel appreciated as a patient.
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