Peter Francis, MD: A Look at Stargardt Macular Dystrophy

1. Peter Francis, MD: A Look at
Stargardt Macular Dystrophy

2. The chief medical officer of RetroSense
Therapeutics, Peter Francis, MD, has
contributed to numerous medical
advancements for eye diseases by studying
various conditions and participating in the
development of new drugs. Recently, Dr.
Peter J. Francis served as the lead
investigator in the first program using gene
therapy to treat Stargardt macular dystrophy.

3. A genetic eye disorder responsible for vision
loss, Stargardt macular dystrophy is found in
approximately one out of every 8,000 to
10,000 persons. The condition first appears in
late childhood or early adulthood and gets
progressively worse. It also ranks as the most
prevalent form of juvenile macular
degeneration.

4. Stargardt macular dystrophy affects the
macula, a small area in the center of the
retina that produces clear, focused vision.
This portion of the eye makes it possible to
perform actions that require a great attention
to detail. In Stargardt macular degeneration,
the cells in the macula atrophy and are lost.
Along with reducing the clarity of central
vision, Stargardt macular dystrophy hinders
night driving and may make identifying colors
difficult.