Living with Patterned macular dystrophy 3
A rare inherited eye condition with patterned lines in the macula that can slowly reduce vision in adulthood.
Understanding Patterned macular dystrophy 3
Eye exams show a dried-out-soil pattern of white lines in the macula. The lesions slowly grow over time. Complications can include abnormal blood vessels or scarring in the macula, which can reduce sharp vision. It typically begins in adulthood.
Signs & symptoms
GARD lists these less common features:
- Less clear vision
- Wasting of the macula (macular atrophy)
- Abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina
- Rod-cone dystrophy (loss of light-sensing cells)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in MAPKAPK3 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Changes in the MAPKAPK3 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of the gene is enough to cause it.
Also known as: macular dystrophy, patterned, 3; macular dystrophy, patterned, type 3; mapkapk3 patterned macular dystrophy; martinique crinkled retinal pigment epitheliopathy; mcrpe; mcrpe - martinique crinkled retinal pigment epitheliopathy
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Patterned macular dystrophy 3.
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