Medical College of Wisconsin Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Research Study - MacTel Natural History Observation and Registry

Purpose of study:
The MacTel Natural History Observation and Registry (NHOR) is a world-wide registry of people with macular telangiectasia (MacTel) Type 2, their family members, healthy volunteers and people with possibly related conditions (such as but not limited to diabetes mellitus, or neurologic disorders such as HSAN1). This registry was created so that scientists can better understand characteristics of MacTel Type 2, in order to develop future treatments.

What is MacTel Type2?
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 and in many cases of MacTel Type 2 there are no known treatments to prevent vision loss.
 

What is involved in this study?
To be included in this registry, participants will come to the Eye Institute for one study visit with an option to return to the clinic for additional visit(s). At this visit participants will have images taken of the back of the eye (the retina), a blood sample will be drawn, and an eye exam will be performed. Participants will also have the opportunity to register in the Contact Database for future contact and to stay up to date on the research being done pertaining to MacTel.

Compensation:
Research volunteers will not be paid for participating in this project.