Mr. Beast Says He Has 'Borderline Blindness': Early Warning Signs Of Stargardt Disease You Shouldn't Ignore

When the world's most-watched YouTuber, Mr Beast (Jimmy Donaldson), revealed this week that he is "borderline blind", the internet went into a tailspin. He is known for his high-energy stunts and philanthropy, including a viral video where he funded cataract surgeries for 1,000 people. The 27-year-old creator recently admitted that his own vision is a battle he cannot win. Responding to critics who remarked that his eyes often look "off" or "unsmiling", Donaldson clarified, "I'm borderline blind in my right eye; the reason they look off is that I have to squint... to see better, even with my contacts in."

While Donaldson has not explicitly used the term in his recent viral post, the medical community and followers have long connected his symptoms to Stargardt disease (juvenile macular degeneration), a rare genetic condition that mirrors his described struggles. For a man who sees billions of views, the irony of not being able to see clearly is a wake-up call for everyone. While the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recognises Stargardt disease as a significant, rare genetic disorder, it does not currently maintain a single, real-time national registry specifically for its prevalence. Approximately 1 in 8,000 to 10,000 individuals are possibly diagnosed with this disease, and it is more common in males (63%) compared to females (37%).

What Is Stargardt Disease?

Stargardt disease is the most common form of inherited juvenile macular degeneration. Unlike age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which strikes in the 60s, Stargardt typically begins in childhood or early adulthood.

At its core, the disease is a waste-management failure. A mutation in the ABCA4 gene prevents the eye from clearing away a fatty byproduct called lipofuscin. This toxic sludge builds up in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central, 'high-definition' vision.

As the cells die off, the 'centre' of your world begins to blur, while peripheral (side) vision often remains intact. This explains why patients like Mr. Beast might squint or tilt their heads; they are trying to use the healthy outer edges of their retinas to compensate for the 'blind spot' in the middle.

Symptoms You Might Mistake For Tiredness

Stargardt is often misdiagnosed as simple myopia (nearsightedness) in its early stages. However, there are specific 'Stargardt signatures' that demand an immediate trip to a retinal specialist (ophthalmologist):

• The Grey Haze: Central vision becomes blurry, distorted, or develops hazy spots that don't go away with standard glasses.
• The Light Lag: Struggling to adjust when moving from a bright sunny outdoors to a dimly lit room.
• Colour Fading: Bright colours suddenly look washed out or "muted".
• The Squint Reflex: Frequent squinting or a loss of focus when looking directly at faces or text.

Also Read: Imran Khan Suffers 85% Vision Loss: 6 Factors That Can Lead To Central Retinal Vein Occlusion

A Growing Diagnostic Frontier

In India, Stargardt disease is gaining significant attention in genetic research. A major 2025 study published in Clinical Genetics by the Sankara Nethralaya Vitreoretinal Study Group (Chennai) analysed an Indian cohort and found that symptoms often appear as early as age 14.

The study identified specific South Asian founder alleles (genetic mutations) unique to the population. This research is crucial because it suggests that Indian patients might experience a different progression rate than Western cohorts, making early genetic testing a vital tool for Indian families.

Also Read: Sudden Vision Loss After Weightlifting: Eye Surgeon Reveals Rare Case Of Valsalva Retinopathy

Can It Be Cured?

Currently, there is no FDA-approved cure to reverse the damage, but the landscape is shifting. Here is a list of possible developed therapies that could help:

• Gene Therapy: Trials are underway to "replace" the faulty ABCA4 gene.
• The Vitamin A Caution: In a counterintuitive twist, high-dose vitamin A, usually good for the eyes, can actually accelerate Stargardt by creating more toxic lipofuscin. Patients are often advised to avoid vitamin A supplements.
• The Blue Light Defence: Because light triggers the accumulation of waste, wearing specialised UV-blocking sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats is non-negotiable.

Mr. Beast's admission is a reminder that legal blindness doesn't always mean total darkness; it often means a loss of detail that changes how you interact with the world. If you or your child find yourselves squinting despite having fresh contacts or glasses, it's time to look deeper than the lens.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.