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Eye and hearing diseases

Macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel)

An eye disease that affects the center of the retina and gradually reduces reading vision.

Not part of the panel of Türkiye's National Newborn Screening Programme (heel-prick test). Source

Prepare an emergency card

This page is translated from the Turkish original.

This disease is followed through the “Eye and hearing diseases” group.

Understanding the disease

This section has not yet been reviewed by a physician. It summarises patient information from sources such as MedlinePlus, Orphanet and the NHS in plain language. The disease can differ from person to person; talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.

What happens in this disease?

Macular telangiectasia type 2 affects an area of the eye called the macula. The macula is the center of the retina and makes detailed vision, such as reading, possible. In this disease, the very fine blood vessels in the macula become damaged and widened. It usually affects both eyes, but not always to the same degree.

Which symptoms can occur?

The disease often appears in middle age. In the early stage there may be no symptoms. Central vision may slowly decrease over the years. Side vision is not affected; it usually does not lead to complete blindness.

  • Increasing difficulty reading
  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Gaps in the middle of the field of vision
  • Needing more light

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is made with an eye examination; the pupil is widened with eye drops. Imaging that shows the layers of the retina (OCT) and images of the blood vessels are used. A simple line test called the Amsler grid may also be done.

Treatment and care

A capsule that is placed in the eye and releases medicine to protect the retina has been developed. If new blood vessels form, injection treatments into the eye can be used. In some cases, laser treatment or surgery may be needed. The doctor who follows the disease decides which treatment is suitable.

For the family: inheritance and genetic counselling

In most people, there is no known cause. In some families, the disease occurs in more than one person. This suggests that there may be a genetic tendency; but this is not yet fully understood.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology – What Is Macular Telangiectasia? · EyeWiki (American Academy of Ophthalmology) – Macular telangiectasia

Key facts

Reliable sources
Orphanet

These facts are taken from Orphanet and MedlinePlus records (last checked: October 7, 2026). Frequency values are approximate ranges.

You are not alone: patient associations in Türkiye

Non-profit patient and family organizations in Türkiye working on this disease or disease group. Links are for information; Doktorclub is not affiliated with these organizations and does not endorse them.

We could not find a patient association specific to this disease.

For all rare diseases: Nadir Hastalıklar Federasyonu

Support and help

Doktorclub does not diagnose, recommend treatments or refer you to hospitals or doctors. These pages are meant to help you talk with your doctor.

News about MacTel

Clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov)

A clinical trial is a regulated study that tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works, in patients who volunteer. Most trials look for a certain age, genetic change and health condition. Taking part is voluntary.

This list is not a treatment recommendation. Treatments tested in phase 1–3 trials are investigational (experimental): their efficacy and safety have not yet been proven and they are not approved treatments. Taking part depends on each trial’s criteria and a physician’s assessment; the first step is to talk to the doctor who manages your care.

Questions you can ask your doctor

  • Could this trial be suitable for us?
  • If we take part, how would current treatment and check-ups be affected?
  • Where does the trial take place, and how are travel and accommodation handled?
  • What happens if we want to leave the trial?

ClinicalTrials.gov lists 3 active interventional studies for this disease. 1 is recruiting now; none has a site in Türkiye. Last checked: October 7, 2026.

Selected records (studies with a site in Türkiye first):

See all studies on ClinicalTrials.gov · Joining clinical trials

Eye and hearing diseases: other news

Medical codes (for talking with your doctor and finding sources)

These codes identify the disease in international classifications and databases. They can help when you talk with your doctor or look for reliable sources.

International rare disease database: Orphanet · ICD-11 9B75.3

Codes checked against WHO ICD-11 and Orphanet on October 6, 2026.

This page provides general information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

The information on these pages is for general information only and does not replace medical advice. Talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment decisions. In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112.

Every update is based on an open source and labeled with its level of evidence. No advertising and no drug brand names. Our scientific principles

This page was translated from Turkish by the Doktorclub editorial team.