Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado is proud to announce another milestone in advancing retinal care. Dr. Elisha Tilton has successfully performed an ENCELTO™ implant procedure, making Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado one of the first eye care practices in Colorado to offer this groundbreaking treatment for patients with Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel). ENCELTO is the first FDA-approved encapsulated cell-based gene therapy designed to slow the progression of this rare retinal disease.
As leaders in ophthalmic innovation, we are committed to bringing advanced treatments to patients throughout Northern Colorado. The introduction of ENCELTO represents a significant advancement for individuals living with MacTel, offering a new option to help preserve vision.
Macular Telangiectasia Type 2, commonly known as MacTel, is a rare, progressive disease that affects the macula—the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the disease progresses, light-sensing retinal cells, known as photoreceptors, gradually deteriorate, leading to central vision loss and making everyday activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces increasingly difficult.
About the size of a grain of rice, the ENCELTO implant is surgically placed inside the eye, where it continuously releases recombinant human ciliary neurotrophic factor (rhCNTF), a naturally occurring protein that supports the health of retinal cells. The implant contains genetically modified living cells that continually produce this therapeutic protein, helping protect photoreceptors and slow vision loss over time. Unlike traditional injections or medications that require frequent dosing, ENCELTO is designed to provide continuous therapy directly to the retina.
We are honored to bring this innovative treatment to Colorado and to continue expanding access to the most advanced retinal care available. Our retina specialists utilize leading diagnostic technology and the latest treatment options to create individualized care plans focused on preserving vision and improving quality of life.
If you have been diagnosed with MacTel or have questions about ENCELTO, we encourage you to contact Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado to schedule a consultation with one of our retina specialists. We are proud to continue bringing the newest advances in eye care to patients across Northern Colorado because protecting your vision is our highest priority.
