JUVENILE EYE DISEASE

What is Juvenile Macular Degeneration?

Juvenile Macular Degeneration is a group of disorders that involve the degeneration or deterioration of the eye’s macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. In juvenile macular degeneration, the cells of the macular region begin to atrophy, thus resulting in loss of function and corresponding central vision loss.

Who does Juvenile Macular Degeneration Affect?

Juvenile Macular Degeneration mostly affects children and young adults and it is a life-long disorder. This form of macular degeneration is often inherited by one or both parents.

Types of Juvenile Macular Degeneration

There are two main types of juvenile macular degeneration as given below:

Stargardt Disease – It usually in the early teenage years, but vision loss is not appreciable till the early 30s. Peripheral vision is fine, but the patients lose central vision almost completely. This type is caused by recessive changes in the ABCR gene.
Macular Dystrophy or Best’s Disease - It is also known as Best’s vitelliform macular dystrophy. It can also begin in early childhood, with symptoms sometimes not present until later in life. The symptoms are almost the same as Stargardt Disease and include distorted vision, blurred vision or complete loss of central vision. It is distinguished by its specific appearance during the eye exam, which presents the ‘sunny side up egg’ appearance of the macula.
Fundus Flavimaculatus

How is Juvenile Macular Degeneration Treated?

Currently, there is no identified treatment method for this disorder.

Sunglasses to protect from UV light and bright light are recommended.
Dietary changes with all required nutritional supplements can also help in slowing down the progression of the disease, to an extent.
Genetic therapies are being studied as a possible mode of treatment.