Stargardt’s Disease
What is Stargardt’s Disease?
Stargardt’s disease is one of the most common inherited retinal diseases. Stargardt’s disease causes damage to the retina slowly over time. Mutations in a gene named ABCA4 causes Stargardt’s disease. The ABCA4 gene is found on chromosome 1. Altered function of the ABCA4 protein is thought to result in the build up toxic chemicals in the retina that over time cause death of cells in the retina. The slow loss of retinal cells over time is what causes visual impairment in the late stages of Stargardt’s disease.
Clinical Manifestations
Stargardt’s disease can lead to vision loss in children and adults. Early symptoms of Stargardt’s disease can be changes in color vision and light sensitivity. Later decreased central vision can develop. Most people with Stargardt’s disease will keep their peripheral vision throughout their life.
Stargardt’s Disease Risk Factors
- Family history of Stargardt’s disease.
Diagnosis
Stargardt's disease can vary greatly in its clinical presentation. As such at Genetic Eye Therapies we leverage advanced testing techniques, including genetic testing, multi-modal retinal imaging and retinal electrophysiologic test to confirm the diagnosis of Stargardt’s disease.
Treatment
Currently there are no FDA approved treatments for Stargardt’s disease. However, there are very exciting clinical trials aimed at treating Stargardt’s disease using different therapeutic approaches. Please call to schedule a visit either at our office or virtually if you would like to learn more regarding these exciting novel therapies.
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Location
2895 Loma Vista Rd, Suite C
Ventura, CA 93003
Hours
Monday-Friday
9 AM - 5 PM
Contact
Info@GeneticEyeTherapies.com
Phone: 805-413-5557 Fax: 805-764-8576