Stargardt Macular Dystrophy
Background
Stargardt Macular Dystrophy: Stargardt Disease
Stargardt Macular Dystrophy is the most common juvenile onset form of inherited macular dystrophy and should not be confused with age related macular degeneration. The condition was first described in 1909 by Dr Karl Stargardt, a German ophthalmologist, and is named after him. The hallmark of Stargardt Macular Dystrophy is loss of central vision in younger people and is usually identified between the ages of six and twenty although affected people might not be aware of the condition until their 30s or even 40s. It is thought that the incidence of Stargardt Macular Dystrophy is between 1 in 1,660 and 1 in 15,000 affecting both males and females.