Stargardt Disease Care and Vision Support Near Northville and Novi, MI

A Stargardt diagnosis—especially in your teens or early adulthood—can feel overwhelming. Doctors often say there’s no cure or quick fix, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t options.

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Low Vision Support for Stargardt and Inherited Retinal Conditions

At Beyond Low Vision, we help patients with inherited retinal conditions like Stargardt, build long-term plans to stay independent and connected. Whether you’re in high school, college, or starting your career, Dr. Jacobi provides hands-on support that meets you where you are.

How Stargardt Disease Affects Central Vision

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Stargardt disease is a rare, inherited form of macular degeneration that causes progressive central vision loss. Doctors usually diagnose Stargardt disease in children, teens, or young adults. While peripheral vision often stays intact, central vision gradually declines. Common symptoms include:

  • Blurry or distorted central vision

  • Trouble reading small print or text on screens

  • Difficulty recognizing faces

  • Light sensitivity or glare discomfort

  • Slow reading or frequent eye fatigue

Because it affects young people, Stargardt disease can have a big impact on school, work, and social life, but with the right tools, patients can adapt and continue doing what they love.

The Challenges of Living With Stargardt Disease  

As Stargardt progresses, tasks that rely on detail become more difficult, especially those that most people take for granted. Students may struggle to see the board, follow digital text, or complete reading assignments. Young adults may feel anxious about learning to drive, using devices, or recognizing faces in social settings. Even simple things like shopping, navigating a busy hallway, or watching TV can become frustrating.

Beyond the visual challenges, there’s also the emotional toll—the worry about how vision loss will impact your independence and future. That’s exactly why low vision support matters so much: it fills the gap between diagnosis and day-to-day life.

An adult woman and a child sitting at a table, with the child writing on a notepad and the adult woman looking at a tablet.

Low Vision Support for Teens, Adults, and Families

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At Beyond Low Vision, we help patients with Stargardt find real, usable tools to adapt without giving up the things they love. Dr. Jacobi takes the time to understand your lifestyle, your goals, and how vision loss is showing up for you. Support may include:

  • Hands-free magnifiers for school, work, or reading

  • Contrast-enhancing filters and lighting for screen use

  • Device trials tailored to your real-world environments

  • Tinted lenses or filters for light sensitivity

  • Strategies for navigating classrooms, workplaces, or public spaces

  • Optional home visits for eligible patients

We tailor everything we offer to your environment, your goals, and your daily routine.

Supporting Your Goals in Novi, MI

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or adjusting to life with progressive vision loss, Beyond Low Vision is here to help. We work with teens, young adults, and families across Novi, Northville, Plymouth, Livonia, and surrounding communities to build low vision plans that actually make sense for real life. If you're looking for support, we’re ready when you are. Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jacobi and start building a plan that works for you.