About MacTel
MacTel is a rare eye disease that affects the part of the eye that helps your brain understand what it is seeing. Here’s what you need to know.
What is MacTel?
Macular telangiectasia [tel-an-jee-ek-tei-sia] type 2, or MacTel, is a rare eye disease that causes the loss of central vision in both eyes.
While the exact cause of MacTel is not fully understood, some evidence suggests that it may run in families.
How does MacTel impact vision?
There are 3 different types of MacTel, all of which affect the macula, which is the central part of the retina and responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Type 2 MacTel is the most common and is believed to be caused by the loss of cells called photoreceptors. Once these cells are lost, they do not come back. These cells are important because they react to the light that enters your eye and helps your brain understand the images that you see.
As you continue to lose photoreceptors, your vision can start to blur or you may eventually lose vision.
Who does MacTel affect?
MacTel occurs most often in people in their 40s and 50s, although for some, symptoms can appear as early as in their 30s.
I just figured I was getting to the age...where I could use some better glasses.”
What are the symptoms of MacTel?
Common symptoms of MacTel include:
Distorted central vision
Blurriness
Blind spots
You may notice things such as missing letters or dark spots in your vision when you try to read or straight lines looking crooked or curvy. Symptoms vary by individual and by the state of their disease.
It is important to share all your symptoms with your eye care providers, even if they seem minor or aren’t a big deal right now.
[It’s] like you're looking through a wet window.”
You may also be interested to:
This is not a journey you have to take alone.
Neurotech is committed to providing education about MacTel and partnering with support and advocacy groups to meet the needs of this community.
