Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

Purpose of study:

The primary objective of this study is to find out if treating the back of the eye with a low-powered laser is safe for patients with MacTel Type 2. 

What is MacTel Type 2?

Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2 is an uncommon eye disorder that results in slow vision loss beginning in middle age. The macula is the central part of the retina which is responsible for central or reading vision. Telangiectasis refers to dilated, leaky blood vessels. Unfortunately, little medical information is known about MacTel Type 2 at this time.

What is involved in this study?

Study visits will include vision testing, imaging of the back of the eye, and an eye exam. Testing at the first visit will be done to make sure the participant is eligible for the study. Since the study imaging is time-consuming, this visit will likely be split up over 2 days. The second visit will be a relatively short treatment visit. Since we do not know what effect the low energy laser has on MacTel Type 2, participants will have an equal chance of receiving the laser treatment or a "sham" (which mimics the laser procedure but does not use any laser light). After the laser or sham treatment, participants will return for 4 follow up visits over the next year for a total of just over 12 months of study participation.

Compensation:
Research volunteers will receive a $75 prepaid charge card for each visit.

You may be eligible to participate in this study if you meet these criteria.
1. You are 21 years of age or older but less than 80 years of age.
2. An eye doctor has told you that you have MacTel Type 2.
3. You are already enrolled in the MacTel Type 2 Natural History Observation and Registry Study.