Hello! I want to thank you all for the love and support I received from my Part One post about my eyesight/eye condition, also known as Stargardts Disease (SD).
Today I’m answering your questions about my condition and have categorized them into three sections to keep them organized.
The Diagnosis
How old were you when you were diagnosed with SD?
I was 13 years old and in 7th grade.
Did you have any symptoms of SD, or was it discovered during a regular exam?
I didn’t have any symptoms. The ophthalmologist looked at the back of my eyes during an exam and discovered cloudy-looking spots in my macula, which led her to believe I had SD. I know many people with SD do experience symptoms such as losing vision quickly, though.
About SD
Is SD a genetic disease or congenital disability?
SD is a genetic disease.
What causes SD?
An unhealthy macula causes SD. Usually, the back of the eye is an orange/terracotta color and doesn’t have any spots. However, people with SD have gray, cloudy-looking spots that expand and darken with age. That said, my vision only corrects to an extent because the spots prevent the macula from projecting a clear image.
Can you slow down the deterioration process?
Yes. There are limited things I can do as of now. For instance, I avoid eating foods high in Vitamin A because they’re bad for my particular situation, I exercise and eat healthy to ensure a balanced physical health, and always wear sunglasses when I’m outside. Side note, overcast days are even more destructive to your eyes than clear and sunny days- don’t be fooled!
Managing SD
Do you wear contacts or glasses?
Yes! I get the question often and don’t always understand why. It’s like, well, of course, I do. Lol. My best guess is that people don’t know- or further ask- about my condition and think glasses or contacts could solve the problem.
Can I get eye surgery to correct my vision?
Unfortunately, no. There is nothing surgery can fix as of now. Also, Lasik won’t help because the procedure only corrects the front of the eye.
Does SD affect my ability to do certain things?
SD affects the way I do SO many things! Here are just a few I can think of:
- I have to zoom in and take pictures on my phone or computer to read text and see pictures
- I sit close to TV and computer screens and hold my phone close to my face to see better
- I receive accommodation at school so my learning experience can be somewhat equal to others’
- I can’t read subtitles in shows and movies
- I memorize presentations more than the average person because I can’t just read off the board
Can you drive?
Yes! A specialist approved me; There are many factors that my vision is up to par on that allow me to drive, such as my ability to see contrast, depth of field, color vividness, and my above-average reflexes. I wear driving glasses and don’t go on treacherous drives or drive at night.
Does SD prevent me from doing anything?
The main thing I can think of is that SD forces me to be slower than others when it comes to certain things. For example, many people can quickly glance at a screen or sign, whereas I have to pull out my phone, take a photo, and zoom in to read or see it. Whether I’m trying to understand the board in class, read menus at restaurants, see price tags at stores or read nutrition facts, instructions, etc., I have to take extra steps to do things that are effortless for others. But I consider myself a fast-paced person, and eventually catch up to normal-sighted individuals.
What can you see?
I’ve adapted to the way I see because it’s all I’ve ever known. While I get bummed sometimes because I know my vision isn’t clear, I’ve accepted the situation and am making the most of it. Click here to watch a video that gives you an idea of what I can and cannot see. My vision is slightly different than this woman’s, but it’s still a great representation of my eyesight.
In conclusion…
Never take your vision for granted! I hope this post helps you better understand my situation. Also, please do not hesitate to DM/message or email me any other questions or comments you might have.
Until next time,
Lindi
