Background

Stargardt's Disease is generally regarded as a childrens' disease. The onset usually takes place between trhe ages of 6 and 20. However, many cases exist where the onset may be in the 30s or 40s.

There may be a case to suggest that both early and late onset of the disease could be linked to an event or "trigger" which starts the vision loss process. The disease is in the genetics, but something may trigger the degeneration.

Exposure to bright sunlight over a prolonged period is the most likely trigger, but head injury or trauma may also be a cause.

"I know I was 20/20 3 years ago when we moved from Wyoming to Montana. The only difference is that my daughters are all in swim team and here in Montana they have outdoor swim meets so the last two summers I have spent every weekend outside. We camp out on these weekends and so are outside except to go to bed.

I also was in a small car accident two years ago and received whip lash. So I dont' know if either one of these is why it showed up. I would assume the outdoor swim meets is the main culprit as I never did wear sunglasses either to any of these. The reflection on the water is probably not the best for me." - Tracy

"I was never much of a sunbather. But one summer when i was 21, I vacationed at a lake for a week. I lay out in the sun all day with my face aimed at the sun. (Tan was very much in style in 1969). Of course, I kept my eyes closed. But I didn't wear any protective eye wear. About a month later, I noticed my vision deteriorating, and I went to the doc and was diagnosed with SD. " - Larry