Stargardt Disease

24.01.2025

Stargardt Disease

Why in the news?                        

Researchers from Switzerland say they have developed a gene editing technique that could perhaps help treat Stargardt disease.

About Stargardt Disease:

• It is also known as Stargardt macular degeneration.
• It is commonly caused by changes in a gene, ABCA4. This gene influences how the human body uses Vitamin A.
• It is an inherited disease that leads to progressive vision loss in children and young adults. It is usually bilateral, involving both eyes.
• People with this disease have too much lipofuscin. It builds up over the macula, which is the central part of the retina and is responsible for clear and sharp central vision.
• Everybody’s eyes contain a yellowish-brown pigment called lipofuscin that builds up in cells as people age.

Symptoms of the Stargardt Disease:

• The most common symptom of the Stargardt disease is a slow loss of central vision in both eyes. Some people lose their central vision more quickly than others.
• Other symptoms may include Gray, black, or hazy spots in the center of the vision, sensitivity to light and color blindness.

Prevalence of the Disease :

• This disease is observed more commonly in males.
• Its prevalence is estimated at 1 in 8000 to 10000 populations, with deterioration of visual acuity leading to legal blindness and loss of central visual acuity.
• Treatment: There is currently no cure available for the disease.

                                                                Source: The Hindu

With reference to Stargardt disease, consider the following:

1. It is commonly caused by changes in a gene, ABCA4.

2. It only affects old age people across the globe.

3. There is currently no cure available for the disease.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer B