ENCELTO Implant Treatment in Connecticut Offering New Hope for Macular Telangiectasia

Advancements in retinal care are creating new possibilities for patients living with complex eye conditions. At Retina Consultants, P.C. in Connecticut, the ENCELTO implant represents an innovative approach to managing Macular Telangiectasia, a condition that can gradually impact central vision. With a focus on preserving sight and improving quality of life, this treatment offers a reassuring option for eligible patients seeking specialized care.

What is the ENCELTO implant and how does it work?

The ENCELTO implant is a small, surgically placed device designed to deliver therapeutic support directly to the retina over time. It works by providing a controlled release of treatment intended to help stabilize retinal health. By targeting the affected area, the implant supports the cells responsible for maintaining vision. This localized approach allows for ongoing treatment without frequent interventions.

What condition does the ENCELTO implant treat?

The ENCELTO implant is used to treat Macular Telangiectasia, a progressive retinal condition that affects the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp central vision. This condition can lead to blurred or distorted vision over time. Traditional treatment options have been limited, making this therapy an important advancement. The goal is to slow progression and preserve functional vision.

How is the ENCELTO implant procedure performed?

The procedure is typically performed in a controlled surgical setting by a retinal specialist. The implant is carefully placed within the eye using precise techniques designed to minimize disruption to surrounding tissue. Patients are given detailed instructions before and after the procedure to ensure comfort and proper healing. Most individuals can return home the same day with follow-up care scheduled as needed.

What are the benefits and expected outcomes of this treatment?

One of the primary benefits of the ENCELTO implant is its ability to provide sustained therapeutic support over time. This may help slow the progression of Macular Telangiectasia and preserve central vision. Patients often appreciate the reduced need for frequent treatments compared to other approaches. While outcomes can vary, the goal is to maintain visual function and improve long-term stability.

Who is a good candidate for the ENCELTO implant?

Candidates are typically individuals diagnosed with Macular Telangiectasia who are experiencing changes in central vision. A comprehensive retinal evaluation is necessary to determine eligibility. Factors such as overall eye health and disease progression are carefully considered. Personalized recommendations ensure that the treatment aligns with each patient’s specific needs.

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To tell us more is Dr. Scott Walter with Hartford HealthCare. Doctor, thank you for your time.
Thank you so much.
Of course. Let’s talk about this therapy, and wow, what a breakthrough it is, huh?
Yeah. So up until now, many of the treatments we had for macular diseases like macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy relied on ongoing eye injections, often as frequently as monthly for many, many years. And for this particular form of macular degeneration called macular telangiectasia, there was no previously approved therapy. What’s different about this therapy is instead of ongoing injections, we’re able to offer a one-time procedure to implant a device inside of the eye called Venceleto that works to continuously produce the therapy for the rest of the patient’s life.
Doctor, without getting too technical about it, how does this implant actually work?
The implant’s about the size of a grain of rice, and it contains living human cells that have been bioengineered to produce a specific therapeutic protein that’s actually naturally occurring in the human body. So once it’s inside the eye, the protein diffuses into the retina, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye that’s responsible for vision. And this leads to a reduction in the rate of retinal degeneration over time, allowing patients to preserve their vision for longer.
Interesting. And I want to backtrack a little bit here just because we may have some viewers who really don’t understand. Can you just explain what macular degeneration even is?
So, macular degeneration involves a loss of tissue as a result of aging and other factors in the back of the eye that’s responsible for the high acuity vision that we need to read, drive, and recognize faces.
Doctor, what does this advancement mean for Hartford Hospital and your patients?
Well, right here at Hartford Hospital, we were the first in Connecticut to implant this device in two patients about two weeks ago, and both patients are doing well. We’re also one of the first centers in the region to offer this therapy ahead of major academic centers in New York and Boston. It’s really more than just a milestone for Hartford HealthCare, though. It’s really a breakthrough for patients around the United States living with macular telangiectasia, which, up until now, had no treatment. And as I mentioned earlier, these patients can lose their independence over time. So really, this therapy offers hope to patients in terms of preserving their ability to live independently, to relate better to family members, and to maintain the vision that’s so important to their day-to-day lives.
Very nice.
I’m really excited to bring this therapy here to Hartford, make it accessible to patients so that they can access treatment close to home and earlier when it matters the most.
That is wonderful. Well, thank you so much, Dr. Walter.

What are the potential risks, and what is recovery like?

As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including infection or inflammation. However, these risks are minimized through careful planning and post-procedure monitoring. Recovery generally involves a short healing period with follow-up visits to track progress. Patients receive clear guidance on how to care for their eyes during recovery.

If you are exploring advanced options for Macular Telangiectasia treatment, Retina Consultants, P.C. in Connecticut offers innovative solutions like the ENCELTO implant.

To schedule your consultation and learn more about whether this treatment may be right for you call any of our 5 offices at:

Our Doctors

Tavish Nanda, M.D.

Hartford / Manchester / Enfield / Farmington

Noam Rudnick, M.D., Ph.D.

Hartford / Manchester / Farmington

Greg Budoff, M.D.

Cromwell / Enfield / Farmington

Scott Walter, M.D. M.Sc

Hartford / Farmington / Cromwell

Ron Margolis, M.D.

Manchester / Farmington / Enfield / Cromwell

Luis Martinez, M.D., Ph.D.

Hartford / Manchester / Cromwell

The physicians of Retina Consultants, P.C. are a team of board-certified and fellowship-trained retina specialists dedicated exclusively to the diagnosis and treatment of retinal and vitreoretinal diseases. As the only retina-focused practice in central Connecticut, the group provides expert care to patients throughout Hartford, Manchester, Cromwell, Enfield, and Farmington.

Each specialist has completed advanced fellowship training in medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery, equipping them to manage both routine and complex retinal conditions, including macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, macular holes, and ocular tumors. The team combines extensive clinical experience with the latest diagnostic imaging, in-office treatments, and advanced surgical techniques.

With decades of combined experience and one of the highest vitreoretinal surgical volumes in the region, Retina Consultants, P.C. is recognized for delivering evidence-based, patient-centered care, timely access for urgent conditions, and trusted second opinions. Their commitment to excellence ensures patients receive the highest standard of specialized retinal care close to home.