Macular Telangiectasia

Macular telangiectasia (MacTel) is an eye condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, by causing small blood vessels to swell, leading to vision loss. It affects about 2 million people worldwide and has two main types: Type 1, which typically affects one eye in young men, and Type 2, which occurs in middle-aged individuals and can cause blood vessel leakage, bleeding, and scarring. Symptoms include distorted vision, central vision problems, increased light sensitivity, and blurriness, though it does not affect peripheral vision. Diagnosis involves a dilated eye exam to detect abnormal blood vessels, crystal deposits, or pigment changes in the macula. There is currently no definitive treatment.