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Stargardt Disease

A genetic disease that blocks the body from properly removing waste. This usually leads to lipofuscin buildup on the macula, leading to vision loss.

A cobblestone street lined with two-story brownstones on one side and lush green foliage overflowing from the other side. A dark, blurry circle appears in the center.
A cobblestone street lined with two-story brownstones on one side and lush green foliage overflowing from the other side.
A cobblestone street lined with two-story brownstones on one side and lush green foliage overflowing from the other side. A dark, blurry circle appears in the center.

Normal vision vs. Stargardt Disease

Overview


Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy or juvenile macular degeneration, is a genetic eye disorder that affects the macula, a small, specialized area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Stargardt disease is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is one of the most common forms of inherited juvenile macular degeneration.



Key Characteristics  


Macular Degeneration 

Stargardt disease leads to the progressive degeneration of the cells in the macula, resulting in a gradual loss of central vision.  


Inheritance

Stargardt disease is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a person must inherit a mutated gene from both parents to develop the condition. The specific gene associated with Stargardt disease is the ABCA4 gene.  


Onset

Symptoms often appear in childhood or adolescence, and individuals may notice a gradual decline in central vision. However, the age of onset and the rate of progression can vary. 

Overview


Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy or juvenile macular degeneration, is a genetic eye disorder that affects the macula, a small, specialized area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Stargardt disease is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is one of the most common forms of inherited juvenile macular degeneration.



Key Characteristics  


Macular Degeneration 

Stargardt disease leads to the progressive degeneration of the cells in the macula, resulting in a gradual loss of central vision.  


Inheritance

Stargardt disease is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a person must inherit a mutated gene from both parents to develop the condition. The specific gene associated with Stargardt disease is the ABCA4 gene.  


Onset

Symptoms often appear in childhood or adolescence, and individuals may notice a gradual decline in central vision. However, the age of onset and the rate of progression can vary. 

Overview


Stargardt disease, also known as Stargardt macular dystrophy or juvenile macular degeneration, is a genetic eye disorder that affects the macula, a small, specialized area in the center of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. Stargardt disease is typically diagnosed in children and young adults and is one of the most common forms of inherited juvenile macular degeneration.



Key Characteristics  


Macular Degeneration 

Stargardt disease leads to the progressive degeneration of the cells in the macula, resulting in a gradual loss of central vision.  


Inheritance

Stargardt disease is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive manner, meaning that a person must inherit a mutated gene from both parents to develop the condition. The specific gene associated with Stargardt disease is the ABCA4 gene.  


Onset

Symptoms often appear in childhood or adolescence, and individuals may notice a gradual decline in central vision. However, the age of onset and the rate of progression can vary. 

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Stargardt Disease

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