Understanding MacTel:

MacTel is a rare, progressive neurodegenerative disease affecting the central retina, leading to gradual and irreversible vision loss. Typically diagnosed in middle-aged adults, it is characterized by the degeneration of photoreceptors—the specialized cells responsible for capturing light and enabling vision. 

MacTel Type 2 with crystalline deposits and altered foveal reflex.

Introducing ENCELTO:

ENCELTO represents a pioneering approach in the treatment of MacTel. This allogeneic encapsulated cell-based gene therapy utilizes Neurotech’s Encapsulated Cell Technology (ECT) platform to deliver continuous therapeutic doses of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) directly to the retina. CNTF is a protein known to support the survival and maintenance of photoreceptors, thereby slowing disease progression. 

Clinical Efficacy:

The FDA’s approval of ENCELTO is grounded in robust clinical evidence from two Phase 3 trials. Over a 24-month period, patients receiving ENCELTO experienced a significant reduction in the loss of macular photoreceptors compared to those who did not receive the treatment. This outcome underscores the therapy’s potential to preserve vision and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by MacTel. 

Availability:

ENCELTO is expected to be available to patients in the United States starting in June 2025, offering new hope to those impacted by this challenging condition. Worldwide availability is likely in the late 2026.

This approval marks a significant milestone in retinal disease treatment, providing a much-needed therapeutic option for patients with MacTel. For more detailed information, please refer to the official FDA announcement. 

Stay informed and consult with your ophthalmologist to determine if ENCELTO is a suitable treatment option for you.

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Monovision may be achieved with contact lenses, LASIK surgery or following cataract surgery with MONOfocal IOL.

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Patient Information

• Coronavirus Eye Safety
  Eye care procedures may be delayed during the pandemic, so eye safety is more important than ever.
  Download the PDF version in English here
• Advice for Patients with Macular Degeneration
  Patients who rely on regular eye injections may face tough decisions about traveling to the doctor’s office. Here’s what you need to know, according to medical experts at the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.

Eye Health at Home

• Eye Problems That Can Be Treated at Home
  Know what you can and can’t treat yourself.
• Quick Home Remedies for Pink Eye
  It might be possible for coronavirus to cause a pink eye infection (conjunctivitis), but this is extremely rare. Treat pink eye at home when possible to avoid spreading the disease.
• Simple Ways to Soothe Dry Eyes
  Lubricate your eyes during long hours indoors.
• Over-the-Counter Solutions for Bloodshot Eyes
  These easy fixes for red eyes may help you avoid a trip to the doctor’s office.

#StayHome If you have conjunctivitis, you do NOT need to see a doctor. Viral conjunctivitis mostly gets better on its own in 2 weeks, and does not require antibiotics.

Staying Safe Around the House

• First Aid for Eye Scratches
  Know what you should and shouldn’t do for a scratched eye.
• Avoiding Home Eye Hazards
  Stay out of the emergency room by protecting your eyes during cleaning, cooking, and home repair projects.

Source https://www.aao.org/eye-health/coronavirus

Image: https://www.scientificanimations.com/wiki-images/

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Eye twitching is a repetitive, involuntary muscular contraction. A twitch commonly occurs in the upper lid but at times it can occur in lower lid, or both the upper and the lower lid. Twitches are commonly painfree and harmless. However, sometimes they may be caused by certain neurological conditions called Blepharospasm and Hemifacial spasm. These conditions cause the eyelids to close more fully and for longer periods of time.

What causes the eyelids to twitch?

It occurs without any noticeable reason as they are rarely a cause for any concern. It may however be linked to:

1. Eye irritation
2. Eye lids strain ( example?.. prolonged use of gadgets?)
3. Lack of sleep
4. Use of tobacco or caffeine
5. Stress (I had it when I was studying for my FRCS exams).
6. Dry eyes
7. Light sensitivity
8. Tiredness

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis is clinical.

In extremely rare cases your doctor may advice you CT or MRI scan to identify any other cause of eye twitches.

How is Eye-twitching treated?

Eye twitches usually go away on their own. Getting enough sleep, relaxing, stepping back from stress, and cutting down on the caffeine intake may help reduce the eye twitching.  In blepharospasm your doctor may  recommend you botox injections into the muscles of the eyelids to paralyze the muscle that is contracting excessively. However, these injections don’t help everyone.

When is the right time to call your doctor?

1. If the eye twitches last for more than a week.
2. When facing abnormal and painful blinking.
3. Twitching leading to complete closure of the eye (Blepharospasm)

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