Stargardt-Like Macular Dystrophy

Macular dystrophies are a group of inherited eye conditions that affect the macula. The macula is in the center of the retina, the light sensitive part at the back of the eye. In people with macular dystrophies, some of the cells in the macula gradually stop working and may die over time. This leads to vision loss in the center of the eye. Side vision (peripheral vision) is mostly unaffected. Stargardt disease (STGD) is a type of macular dystrophy which is caused by 1 faulty gene (ABCA4). Vision loss most typically happens in childhood, but many people do not develop it until they are adults. As well as STGD, there are other macular dystrophies that look very similar to STGD but that are caused by many other different genes. Together, STGD and STGD-like conditions can be called STGD-type macular dystrophies. This is because they look the same clinically and have similar symptoms. Since different genes can cause these conditions, genetic testing is the only way to be sure which specific condition a person has. In this study, researchers want to learn if the disease progresses in a similar way in people with STGD and STGD-like macular dystrophies. People taking part in the study will continue to manage their condition, as agreed with their own doctor. People will visit their clinic every 6 months to have various standard eye tests and imaging. The information collected will include questions about people's wellbeing, general health, medication and supplements taken, and daily activities. Children over 6 years old and adults with STGD-type macular dystrophies may take part in this study. They will be in the study for up to 24 months (2 years). The study sponsor (Astellas) will not decide how people's condition is managed. However, the sponsor will provide instructions on when people visit their clinic and what is recorded during the study. If available, medical records, clinical and imaging data from previous visits going back 24 months will also be reviewed.

Background: STDG3 is an inherited eye disease. Currently there is no treatment for STDG3. Past studies of STDG3 have largely looked at members of large families at a single time point. Researchers want to learn more about the disease at an individual level. Objective: To understand the natural history of changes in the retina that occur in people with STDG3. Eligibility: People ages 10 and older with STDG3 due to a variant in the ELOVL4 gene. Design: Participants will have 6 visits. First they will have a screening visit, followed by a baseline visit. Then they will have a visit 6 months later. Then they will have a visit 1, 2, and 3 years after the first visit. Visits will last 4 to 8 hours. Visits will include the following: Medical history and physical exam. Complete eye exam. Participants' eye pressure and ability to see letters on a vision chart will be tested. Their pupils will be dilated with eye drops. Pictures will be taken of the retina and the inside of the eye. Questions about participants' family history, especially the presence of eye disease. Visual field test. Participants will be seated in front of a large dome and asked to press a button when they see a light within the dome. Electroretinogram. Participants will sit in the dark with their eyes patched for 30 minutes. Then they will wear special contact lenses and watch flashing lights. Optical coherence tomography. Cross-sectional pictures will be taken of participants' retinas. Fundus autofluorescence. Blue light will be shone into participants eyes to assess the health of the retina....