Low Vision Management in a Case of Stargardt's Disease

Objective: To describe the low vision management of a 26-year-old female diagnosed with bilateral Stargardt’s disease, a progressive macular degeneration condition, and to evaluate the effectiveness of various low vision aids in improving her visual functioning. Methods: A detailed low vision assessment was performed on a 26-year-old patient with a history of gradual visual decline over 8 years. Her visual acuity, refractive error, and the impact of her visual impairment on daily tasks were evaluated. Low vision devices, including a hand-held magnifier, clip-on telescope, and absorptive lenses, were trialed to assess improvements in near and distance vision tasks. The patient’s comfort with glare reduction and lighting conditions was also assessed. Results: The patient’s visual acuity was 0.50 logMAR in the right eye and 0.56 logMAR in the left eye. She showed significant improvement in near vision (N8) with a hand-held magnifier (1.5X) and in distance vision (0.20 logMAR) with a clip-on telescope (1.5X). Absorptive lenses with a yellow filter were well accepted, significantly reducing glare sensitivity. The patient reported improved comfort in both near and distance tasks and was able to maintain independence in daily living activities. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the importance of early low vision rehabilitation in managing Stargardt’s disease. Magnification devices and glare-reducing filters, combined with appropriate training, can significantly improve visual functioning and quality of life. Regular follow-up and adaptation of low vision aids are essential as the disease progresses. This study highlights the effectiveness of low vision interventions in managing the challenges associated with Stargardt’s disease.