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Name
Ruth Hollingshead
Born
January 28, 1974
Home
Isle of Wight, UK
Diagnosis
Stargardt's disease
Eyes Affected
Both
Eye Color
Green
Age at Diagnosis
11-12
Visual Acuity
CF 4', 20/2000
Treatment
Laser surgery for torn retina about 11 years ago, but none for
Stargardt's.
Prognosis or Current State of
Vision
My vision has been pretty stable for the last few years, and like
most on the MDLIST I am sitting waiting for medical advances and
some day a cure.
Family History
No family history of Stargardt's, but both my parents are
obviously carriers of the defective gene. I have one sister and she
has perfectly normal vision.
Impact On My Life
I have lived with stargardt's for over 16 years and cannot
remember my vision ever being any different. The main frustrations
for me has been not being able to learn to drive, and not being
able to read to my children.
Positive Effects
I take the time to look at sunsets and landscapes and really
appreciate all the wonderful things I can see.
Adaptations
I have a CCTV and screen reading/magnification soft ware on my
computer. I also have various talking low vision aids at home, and
I have learned, and now teach, Braille.
Working
I worked in a pottery for 2 years and as a telephonist for 3
years. I have been a full time, stay at home mum for the last 4
years, and this is the hardest work I have ever done.
More About Me
As of this date (May 2002), I have been married for nearly 7 years
to Richard. We have two children: Erika (4) and Fletcher (3). I
have been an active member of my local Dark Age Re-enactment group
for the last 11 years, and that is where I met Rich.
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