Overview
Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 (also called MacTel type 3 or idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis type 3) is a very rare eye condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In this disease, tiny blood vessels (capillaries) near the center of the retina become abnormally widened and leaky. Unlike the more commonly described types 1 and 2 of macular telangiectasia, type 3 is characterized by telangiectasia that affects both eyes and is often associated with blockage (occlusion) of the surrounding capillaries. This can lead to progressive loss of central vision over time. Patients may notice gradual blurring of their central vision, difficulty reading, or distortion of images where straight lines appear wavy. The condition can also lead to the formation of abnormal new blood vessels, which may bleed and cause more sudden vision changes. Because this type is extremely rare, it is not as well studied as types 1 and 2, and much of what is known comes from small case reports. There is currently no cure for idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3. Treatment is mainly aimed at managing complications, particularly abnormal blood vessel growth. Anti-VEGF injections (medications injected into the eye that block the growth of abnormal blood vessels) and laser photocoagulation have been used in some cases to help slow vision loss. Regular monitoring by a retinal specialist is essential to detect and treat complications early.
Key symptoms:
Gradual loss of central visionBlurred visionDistorted vision where straight lines look wavyDifficulty reading or recognizing facesDark or blank spots in the center of visionSudden vision changes if bleeding occurs in the eyeReduced ability to see fine detailsDifficulty with tasks requiring sharp central vision like driving
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3
No recent news articles for Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How much has my central vision been affected so far, and what is the expected rate of progression?,Are there any signs of abnormal new blood vessel growth that need treatment right now?,How often should I have follow-up eye exams and imaging tests?,Would anti-VEGF injections or laser treatment be helpful in my case?,Are there any clinical trials or new treatments being studied for this condition?,Should I be referred to a low vision rehabilitation specialist?,What symptoms should prompt me to seek urgent care between scheduled visits?
Common questions about Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3
What is Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3?
Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 (also called MacTel type 3 or idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis type 3) is a very rare eye condition that affects the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. In this disease, tiny blood vessels (capillaries) near the center of the retina become abnormally widened and leaky. Unlike the more commonly described types 1 and 2 of macular telangiectasia, type 3 is characterized by telangiectasia that affects both eyes and is often associated with blockage (occlusion) of the surrounding capillaries.
How is Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 inherited?
Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 typically begin?
Typical onset of Idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 3 is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.