Low vision assessment and management in Stargardt disease: diagnostic approach and therapeutic strategies. Case report

A 19-year-old female presented to the outpatient department with reduced visual acuity and recurrent headaches. Initially recorded as 15 due to an oversight, her age was clarified, and her best-corrected visual acuity was measured at 6/60P logMAR bilaterally, with a prescription of -0.5 D. Cyclorefraction revealed -1.5 D bilaterally. Fundus examination demonstrated vascular tortuosity, bull’s-eye maculopathy, and peripheral pigmentary retinopathy, leading to a diagnosis of Stargardt disease, confirmed through advanced imaging. She was referred to the low vision department for a specialized assessment to address her progressive vision loss and was also evaluated by neurology for recurrent headaches. A comprehensive low vision evaluation helped determine her specific visual needs, with recommendations aimed at enhancing her daily activities and managing her visual prognosis. This case underscores the essential role of low vision assessments in juvenile macular dystrophies like Stargardt disease, where early intervention and personalized visual aids can significantly improve functional vision and quality of life.

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