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.

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.

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.
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.


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.
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.