Stargardt’s Syndrome
What is Stargardt’s Syndrome?
Mutations in the gene ABCA4 (ABCR) underlie Stargardt disease and also have been implicated in cone dystrophy, cone-rod dystrophy, and retinitis pigmentosa. The ABCA4 defect, located on chromosome 1, results in the eyes’ inability to transport retinoids (a form of vitamin A) from the photoreceptor cells to the retinal pigment epithelial layer that is responsible for providing nourishment to retinal cells.
The symptoms of Stargardt’s are similar to those of age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). It is diagnosed in 1 in 20,000 children over 6, usually identified before age 20. The first symptom is decreased vision.
Poor vision in dim light.
Difficulty in close vision, such as reading, although general vision may seem fine.
Loss of vision sharpness, poor color vision and small blind spots.
Blurriness and distorted vision
Difficulty adapting to the dark after sunlight exposure, and/or light sensitivity.
In more severe stages of vision loss, patients may experience phantom vision or visual hallucinations. These episodes are not usually related to underlying psychiatric problems, but rather are normal attempt by the brain to make sense of impaired sensory information.
With further progression, oily deposits begin to accumulate in the layer of tissue comprising the retinal pigment layer of cells (RPE) which is the layer behind the macula. The RPE is a layer lying between the retina and the choroid, providing nourishment to photoreceptor cells.
These deposits, called “lipofuscin”, look like yellowish-tinted specks. The accumulation of lipofuscin eventually causes wasting away of the macula and the RPE. How fast and to what degree vision is lost varies, especially in children. It can begin with 20/40 vision and rapidly decrease to 20/200 which is the level for legal blindness. Color vision may also be impaired in advanced Stargardt’s.
Our Treatment
Micro Acupuncture™ is a procedure involving 48 newly discovered acupuncture points located only in the hands and feet, and not associated with any other acupuncture system. These points were discovered by Andy Freddy Dahlgren, D.Ss., D. Ac., M.Ac .F., M.D. in Denmark in 1984 and researched by Dr. Dahlgren and Dr. Per G. Otte, D. Sc., D. Ac., M.Ac .F. More than 5,000 people have been treated with this procedure throughout Europe, and over 10,000 people have benefited from Micro Acupuncture treatment in the US. 98% of the patients treated have had a marked improvement in their vision.
MicroCurrent Stimulation (MCS) is an enhanced adaptation of a FDA approved therapy used by anesthesiologists, orthopedic surgeons, plastic surgeons and rehabilitative specialists to promote the healing of wounds and transplanted tissues as well as to treat pain.
Testimonials
Dahlia, 28 year-old female
“Fifteen years ago my vision started to deteriorate. I came for Micro acupuncture treatment and after one week my vision improved. The acuity in my right eye improved from 20/100 to 20/68 and my left eye went from 20/100 to 20/ 80. My vision field scans showed s lot of improvement as well. I plan to continue treatment to further improve my vision. Thanks Andy!
Beth, 36 year-old female
“After the first few days of my initial treatment, I noticed definite improvement in my vision. I could read the eye charts better, and my vision field test was improved. As I have been getting treatment when I can and I always see improvement after micro acupuncture, most noticeably with more clarity while driving home. “It was great to work with Andy, he is very knowledgeable and compassionate person. The overall experience was very pleasant and educational.”
