Stargardt's
What is Stargardt's?
An example of how a person with full vision would see this image.
An example of how someone with Stargardt's would see the same image.
Stargardt's disease is a type of macular degeneration that typically surfaces before the age of 20. It causes a progressive loss of central vision of both eyes, but does not affect peripheral vision.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms most commonly become evident by 20 years of age and may include the following:
- Blurred vision
- Deterioration of central vision
- A central blind spot
- Diminishing ability to perceive colours
- Difficulty adapting from bright sunlight to a dimmer room
Who is at risk?
This disease is usually an inherited, autosomal recessive disorder. In order to pass Stargardt's to the next generation, both parents must carry the recessive gene. There is also a dominant form of Stargardt's.
Can it be treated?
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Stargardt's.
Laser treatment is sometimes recommended, but it will not restore vision or stop the progression of the condition.
Find out more
Contact us
Call: 1300 84 74 66
TTY: 02 9334 3260
Fax: 02 9747 5993
Website: www.visionaustralia.org
Street Address (State Head Offices)
NSW and ACT: 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield NSW 2136
Queensland: 373 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo Qld 4151
Victoria: 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong Vic 3144
Vision Australia is a living partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that in the future people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.
This page last updated: 20 August 2008