Fixation Improvement through Biofeedback Rehabilitation in Stargardt Disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Genetics
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Stargardt disease is the leading inherited juvenile macular degeneration.
• Characterized by macular dystrophy, vision loss, retinal flecks, and pigment epithelium atrophy.
• Often presents with a "dark choroid" sign on angiography.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of Stargardt disease in a 26-year-old female.
• To evaluate rehabilitative training using microperimetry MP-1.
• To identify a new preferred retinal locus (PRL) and enhance quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A 26-year-old Caucasian female with Stargardt disease underwent training.
• Microperimetry MP-1 was used to locate a new PRL.
• Evaluated best corrected visual acuity, retinal sensitivity, fixation, and reading speed pre- and post-training.

Main Results:

• The training facilitated the identification of a new PRL.
• Improvements were observed in visual acuity, retinal sensitivity, and reading speed.
• The rehabilitative approach positively impacted the patient's quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Microperimetry-guided rehabilitation can be effective for Stargardt disease patients.
• Finding a new PRL can improve visual function and daily living.
• This case highlights a potential strategy for managing hereditary macular degeneration.