Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy
Vitelliform macular dystrophy is a genetic eye disease. In this genetic eye disease, a fatty yellow pigment (lipofuscin) builds up in the cells under
the macula.
Gradually these deposits accumulate and damage the
photoreceptor cells
that are critical for sharp, straight ahead vision.
Symptoms are1) loss of central vision, and 2) blurry or distorted vision. This accumulation of
lipofuscin
can be detected during an eye exam. There are two forms: 1) The childhood, early-onset form known as
Best Disease.
2) The adult-onset form begins later, usually in mid-adulthood, and tends to cause vision loss that worsens slowly over time.
The two genes, BEST1 and PRPH2, develop mutations which then cause this disease to develop. Obviously, BEST1 mutations are responsible for Best disease. Only in some cases does it cause the adult-onset form. Changes in the PRPH2 gene can also cause the adult-onset form.
Surprisingly, in less than a quarter of all people with this type of
macular dystrophy,
have these mutated genes been found. In most cases, the cause of the adult-onset form is unknown.
Go from Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy to Juvenile Macular Degeneration
Go from Vitelliform Macular Dystrophy to Macular Degeneration
Would you like to be updated on: The latest Clinical Trials? √ Prevention of Macular Degeneration? √ Tips for Daily Living? √ Food Suggestions for a Macular Degeneration Diet? √ Ideas on Visual Aids to Maximize your Sight? If you said "yes" to any of the above, sign up for my monthly Macular Degeneration News.

|