Juvenile macular degeneration is a type of visual deterioration in the young. Macular degeneration refers to an abnormality of that part of the eye which is responsible for our sharpest central vision; the macula, which allows us to read and to distinguish colors.

While macular degeneration is primarily seen in older persons, it may rarely occur in infants and children thus the term "juvenile macular degeneration." The primary symptom of juvenile macular degeneration is reduced vision.

What Are The Types And Causes Of Juvenile Macular Degeneration?

There are three general types of hereditary macular degeneration.

1. Early onset - birth to age seven. This type is dominantly inherited which means that parents and their children can be affected (often called Best disease or vitelliform macular degeneration).
2. Middle onset - age five to twenty. This type is usually recessively inherited which means that it can appear when few or no family members are affected. Rarely, this condition can be dominantly inherited (often called Stargardt's disease, juvenile macular dystrophy or fundus flavimaculatus).
3. Late onset -age thirties and forties. This type may have either a dominant or recessive mode of inheritance (often called Behr's, Sorsby's, Doyne's or honeycomb dystrophy).

How Is Juvenile Macular Degeneration Diagnosed And Treated?

A comprehensive medical eye examination by an ophthalmologist is the first step in diagnosing juvenile macular degeneration. Special tests such as fluorescein angiography and electroretinography may be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.

It is reassuring to remember that the peripheral retina (side vision) most often functions normally, therefore patients with juvenile macular degeneration do not suffer from total blindness. Many children with juvenile macular degeneration function very well, performing routine school tasks with only a minimum of help.

Glasses and low vision aids have been helpful in improving vision for patients with juvenile macular degeneration. Laser surgery is usually not effective in treating this condition.

Reference: American Academy of Ophthalmology