Macular Telangiectasia Project (MacTel)
The MacTel Project brings together world renown bench scientists and clinicians dedicated to improving our understanding of the clinical and pathological features of macular telangietasia (MacTel) Type 2, an uncommon and little researched retinal condition that slowly results in the loss of central vision. The goal of the Project is to identify cause(s) and possible treatments for the condition. The Project includes a Natural History Observation study that identifies MacTel patients and follows the progression of their disease for five years; a Genetics Study of MacTel patients and their family members designed to identify the gene(s) and genetic variants that may be associated with susceptibility for MacTel Type 2; and an eye donor program to study the histology and pathology of MacTel Type 2 eyes.
Natural History Observation Study: All participants with a diagnosis of MacTel Type 2, are eligible for the study. The participants should not have diabetic retinopathy with 10 or more microaneurysms and/or small retinal hemorrhages and should not have other confounding ocular conditions that may now or in the future complicate the evaluation of MacTel Type 2.
Genetics Study: Natural History Observation Study participants and their family members.
Donor Program: Natural History Observation Study participants who have agreed to donate their eye(s) posthumously.
23 sites in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Australia, and Israel