Macular telangiectasia is a group of conditions in which abnormal, dilated blood vessels develop around the macula. These changes can affect the structure of the retina and lead to gradual central visual loss.
Features and course
Early stages may cause subtle distortion or difficulty reading, while later stages can involve tissue thinning, pigment changes and, in some forms, new vessel growth. Both eyes are usually affected, although often asymmetrically.
- Most commonly diagnosed in middle age or later
- Identified using OCT and specialised imaging of retinal vessels
- Management focuses on monitoring and treating complications such as neovascularisation
- Low-vision support can help if central vision is significantly reduced
