ENCELTO™: A New Treatment Option for Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 — often called MacTel — is a rare eye condition that affects the central part of the retina, the area responsible for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. The changes happen slowly, and for many patients the early stages go unnoticed. Over time, MacTel can quietly affect the sharp central vision people rely on every day.
For years, patients diagnosed with MacTel Type 2 faced a frustrating reality: there were no FDA-approved treatments designed specifically for the condition. That has now changed.
What is MacTel?
MacTel Type 2 is an uncommon retinal condition that progresses gradually over many years. Because the changes are subtle at first, many patients don't realize anything is wrong until reading or detail vision begins to feel different. The condition does not usually cause complete blindness, but it can meaningfully affect the sharp central vision needed for daily activities.
Why ENCELTO is important
ENCELTO is a newly FDA-approved treatment for adults with MacTel Type 2. It is the first therapy designed specifically to help slow the progression of the disease in appropriate patients. For a condition that previously had very limited options, this is a meaningful step forward.
What did the studies show?
In clinical studies, patients who received ENCELTO had slower worsening of retinal damage compared with patients who did not receive the treatment. ENCELTO does not reverse vision that has already been lost — but in the right patients, it may help preserve the vision they still have for longer.
Who may be eligible?
ENCELTO is not the right fit for every patient with MacTel Type 2. A retina specialist will consider several factors before recommending treatment. In general, possible candidates may include:
- Adults diagnosed with MacTel Type 2
- Patients whose condition is still progressing
- Patients who still have vision worth trying to protect
- Patients healthy enough for an eye procedure
- Patients whose retina specialist feels the treatment is appropriate after reviewing exam and imaging results
The decision depends on the stage of the disease and a careful look at each patient's exam and imaging.
ENCELTO at Retina Associates of South Texas
If you have been diagnosed with MacTel Type 2 or were told you may have macular telangiectasia, our retina specialists can review your condition and discuss whether ENCELTO may be an option for you.