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Visual acuity loss in patients with Stargardt's macular dystrophy
G A Fishman1, M Farber, B S Patel
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago 60612.
Ophthalmology
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Stargardt disease significantly impacts vision, with a substantial probability of visual acuity loss by age 39. The "dark choroid" finding is common but not definitive for this macular dystrophy.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Genetics
- Medical Research
Background:
- Stargardt disease is a common inherited macular dystrophy.
- It leads to progressive central vision loss.
- Understanding its visual prognosis is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the rate of visual loss in Stargardt macular dystrophy patients.
- To determine the correlation between age and visual acuity.
- To assess the prevalence of the "dark choroid" sign.
Main Methods:
- Life-table analyses and cross-sectional procedures were used.
- Visual acuity was assessed in 95 patients.
- Fluorescein angiography was performed on 64 patients.
Main Results:
- The probability of maintaining 20/40 vision was 52% by age 19, 32% by age 29, and 22% by age 39.
- Vision loss below 20/40 tended to decrease rapidly, stabilizing at 20/200.
- A "dark choroid" was observed in 85.9% of patients undergoing fluorescein angiography.
Conclusions:
- Stargardt macular dystrophy causes significant, progressive visual impairment.
- The "dark choroid" is a frequent but not exclusive indicator.
- Early visual prognosis is guarded, with rapid decline after initial acuity loss.