Juxtafoveal telangiectasis-a name change?

Macular Telangiectasia Type 2: A Comprehensive Review

Macular telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel) is a gradually progressive disease that affects the quality of life by impairing both distant and near vision. It had previously been considered a vascular condition, but recent evidence suggests a neurodegenerative etiology, with primary involvement of Muller cells. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) hyperplasia and subretinal neovascularization (SNV) are responsible for most of the vision loss in advanced cases. Neurotrophic factors in the non-proliferative phase and intravitreal anti-Vascular Endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the proliferative phase have shown to retard the progression of the disease. This review will discuss the pathophysiology, clinical features, important diagnostic imaging studies and available treatment options for MacTel.

J Donald M Gass MD: father of macular diseases, and one of the ten most influential ophthalmologists of the 20th century

John Donald MacIntyre Gass, MD was one of the most significant figures to emerge in ophthalmology in the last 100 years. There could be few ophthalmologists who cannot attribute part of their increase in understanding of retinal disease to the influence of Don Gass. His insights opened up opportunities for many new effective therapies. He has influenced ophthalmic thought worldwide, if not by his presence as a visitor, then through his scientific publications, his outstanding books and the international fellows he trained. Like many distinguished physicians, Don Gass's clinical acumen was well grounded in his understanding of ocular pathology. This experience was gained under the mentorship of Lorenz E Zimmerman, MD, who trained a number of distinguished ophthalmologists, who subsequently became professors. Professor Gass passed away on February 26, 2005 at the age of 76 years from pancreatic carcinoma. With the demise of Don Gass, the world of ophthalmology has lost an extraordinary physician of great talent, commonsense and humility. On the other hand it has gained a generation of young ophthalmologists inspired by his example.