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• Posted: 2012-11-30 18:00:52 By Julissa B
• Hi. I am 26 years old. I was recently diagnosed with a form of Macular Degeneration/Stargardts Disease less than 2 weeks ago. I have no family history and this came so abruptly. Only the central vision in my left eye is affected. I'm trying my best to continue on with my regular lifestyle (work, driving, computer, etc.) The worse thing so far is the constant head aches...any advice or tips out there? This is all very new to me. Thank you. -Juli

• Posted: 2013-02-15 15:20:34 By Sarah M
• Hi Jill-
  
  I too have Stargardts and am now 33, diagnosed at 21. Actually, there may be family history/genetics that play a huge role in the disease, but your family may not know about it. Macular diseases do kind of come up sort of suddenly after the gene mutates cause the condition. You will most likely need to make some adjustments as you go, but it will get better. It is tough I know, as a former Music teacher, I gave up a lot. Now I have 2 kids and am at home and I am ok. I have joined groups, networking, etc. to help me get through. If you want to chat, just let me know. It is depressing and can be limiting, but there is hope :)
  Sarah

• Posted: 2013-02-27 19:22:46 By Terri C
• Do you wake up with headaches? or does it come on with use of your eyes? Is it because of using eccentric fixation and your eye muscles just ache?
  If you wake up with it, it may be something else. If it comes with using your eyes, do you have the correct prescription? (Time for a low vision eval?) If it is an eye ache because of uaing eccentric fixation, I use to have that too. I don;t recall recall how long that took to finally subside, but it eventually did. TLC_

• Posted: 2013-04-23 22:18:10 By Agata P
• Well it sounds like your vision is still really good, so honestly I wouldn't worry about it TOO much. Keep living life like you have been and if something comes up then deal with it.
  My vision is much worse, i got it when I was 9 and I'm 26 now.
  I did get headaches sometimes, now I feel more tired. If I use the computer a lot it sometimes looks like I didnt sleep well the night before, but it's just because of my eyes. Light also makes them more sensitive, so sunglasses are important.
  But seriously, it sounds like you're doing really well, if you wanna chat let me know.

• Posted: 2013-05-31 23:37:12 By Heather G
• I find it helpful to dim the brightness on my computer screen and iphone screen. Might help with the headaches.
  By the way, I just started a blog about living with Stargardts. I have had it since I was 9 and I am now 39...wow I am getting old!
  Anyway, feel free to take a look and contact me!
  Best,
  Heather
  
  http://hgarbitt.blogspot.com/