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Duane syndrome type 3 is a disorder of eye movement.The affected eye, or eyes, has limited ability to move both inward toward the nose and outward toward the ears. The eye opening narrows and the eyeball pulls in when looking inward toward the nose. About 15 percent of all cases of Duane syndrome are type 3. Most cases occur without other signs and symptoms.In most people with Duane syndrome type 3, the cause is unknown; but it can sometimes be caused by mutations in the CHN1 gene and inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.
Features include sometimes findings: Hearing loss (hearing impairment). 5 total HPO annotations.
Organ System | Phenotype Count | Example Features |
|---|---|---|
Eyes | 2 | Impaired ocular abduction, Impaired ocular adduction |
Ears | 1 | Hearing loss (hearing impairment) |
Duane syndrome is a strabismus condition clinically characterized by congenital non-progressive limited horizontal eye movement accompanied by globe retraction which results in narrowing of the palpebral fissure. The lateral movement anomaly is due to failure of the abducens nucleus and nerve (cranial nerve VI) to fully innervate the lateral rectus muscle, with globe retraction occurring due to abnormal innervation of the lateral rectus muscle by the oculomotor nerve (cranial nerve III). At birth, affected infants have restricted ability to move the affected eye(s) outward (abduction) and/or inward (adduction), though the limitations may not be recognized in early infancy.
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
MAFB encodes MAF bZIP transcription factor B (323 aa). Acts as a transcriptional activator or repressor. Highest expression in Spleen (181.0 TPM) and Skin Sun Exposed Lower leg (133.1 TPM).
Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness is associated with mutations in the MAFB gene on chromosome 20.
The MAFB protein participates in MAFB (KREISLER) and HOXB1:PBX1:PKNOX1 (HOXB1:PBX1:PREP1) activate HOXA3 expression, MAFB:JUN and EGR2 activate HOXB3 expression, and MAFB, HOXB1:PBX1:PKNOX1 at active HOXA3 chromatin pathways.
MAFB is classified as a druggable target (Clinically Actionable and Transcription Factor categories) with score 0.0.
CHN1. Individuals with pathogenic variants in CHN1 are more likely to have bilateral involvement, vertical movement abnormalities beyond the upshoot and downshoot often seen in Duane syndrome, and a positive family history when compared to individuals with Duane syndrome who do not have a CHN1 pathogenic variant [, , , , ]. MAFB. Individuals with pathogenic variants in MAFB are more likely to have bilateral Duane syndrome and may have mild-to-severe sensorineural hearing loss in addition to the Duane syndrome. Hearing loss was documented in one of four reported pedigrees of otherwise isolated Duane syndrome, and confirmed in three of four individuals in that family . SALL4.
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
Families with Duane syndrome in whom a CHN1 pathogenic variant has been identified may have reduced penetrance . There has been no evidence of reduced penetrance in the limited number of families with isolated Duane syndrome identified with MAFB or SALL4 pathogenic variants
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
Duane syndrome is a strabismus condition clinically characterized by congenital non-progressive limited horizontal eye movement accompanied by globe retraction which results in narrowing of the palpebral fissure. The diagnosis of Duane syndrome is based on clinical findings and classified into three types . Most affected individuals with Duane syndrome have isolated Duane syndrome (i.e., they do not have other detected congenital anomalies). Other individuals fall into well-defined syndromic diagnoses (see and ). However, many individuals with Duane syndrome have non-ocular findings that are not classified as a particular syndrome; they are included in this review for completeness. The vast majority of individuals with isolated Duane syndrome represent simplex cases (i.e., a single occurrence in a family). A positive family history showing autosomal dominant inheritance is apparent for approximately 10% of affected individuals . Suggestive Findings Duane syndrome, a congenital, non-progressive eye movement disorder, should be suspected in individuals who present with the following features: • Congenital limited horizontal eye movement with impairment of abduction and/or adduction • Globe retraction (co-contraction) accompanied by narrowing of the palpebral fissure (i.e., reduced distance between the upper and lower eyelids) on adduction. Note: Adduction is movement of the globe toward the midline (the nose); abduction is movement of the globe toward the ear, away ("abducted") from the midline. Establishing the Diagnosis Clinical findings. The diagnosis of Duane syndrome is established in a proband typically by an ophthalmologist by detection of the specific clinical findings of limited abduction and/or adduction in association with globe retraction on adduction. Individuals can usually be categorized within the three types detailed below, though there may be some overlap among these categories. Table 1. Clinical Findings: Comparison of Duane Syndrome Types I-III
Clinical Finding | Type I (~75%-80% of cases) | Type II (~1%-5%) | Type III (~10%-20%) |
|---|---|---|---|
Abduction | Absent to markedly restricted | Normal to mildly restricted | Absent to markedly restricted |
Adduction | Normal to mildly restricted | Absent to markedly restricted | Absent to markedly restricted |
Globe retraction palpebral fissure narrowing | Present on adduction | Present on adduction | Present on adduction or attempted adduction |
Upshoot downshoot of affected globe on adduction | Variably present |
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
Duane syndrome with associated congenital anomalies. Approximately 30% of individuals with Duane syndrome have other congenital anomalies, particularly of the ear, kidney, heart, upper limbs, and skeleton. These associated anomalies are typically reported in simplex cases, but also occur together with Duane syndrome as familial malformation or genetic syndromes. Table 3. Disorders to Consider in the Differential Diagnosis of Duane Syndrome with Associated Congenital Anomalies
Disorder | Gene(s) | MOI | Clinical Features of Disorder (in addition to Duane syndrome) |
|---|---|---|---|
SALL1 | AD | Anal, ear, limb renal anomalies; Additional ophthalmic findings: coloboma, ptosis, epibulbar dermoid, crocodile tears HOXA1-related disorders (Bosley-Salih-Alorainy syndrome, Athabascan brain stem dysgenesis syndrome) |
Genetic testing for MAFB is available. Testing is considered confirmatory for diagnosis.
Biomarker and diagnostic research for Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness has been reported in the published literature.
No approved treatments are currently available for Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness. The disease remains an area of unmet medical need.
To establish the extent of disease and needs in an individual diagnosed with Duane syndrome, the following evaluations are recommended if they have not already been completed:
Family history
Ophthalmologic examination
Determination of deviation in primary gaze, anomalous head position, and horizontal and vertical gaze restrictions
Evaluation for aberrant movements. Globe retraction with narrowing of the palpebral fissure in adduction is the sine qua non of Duane syndrome. Infraduction of the affected eye in attempted abduction is a common finding. Other features sometimes observed include up- and downshoot on adduction and Marcus Gunn jaw winking.
Full ophthalmologic exam to assess for refractive errors, amblyopia, or amblyopia risk factors.
Optional forced duction testing and/or force generation testing in cooperative individuals
Photographic documentation to identify changes in the condition and for future review
If surgery is planned, consideration of brain and orbital MRI to determine brain stem and orbital anatomy (muscles and nerves)
General physical examination to look for systemic anomalies that can be found in individuals with Duane syndrome
Hearing evaluation
Consultation with a clinical geneticist and/or genetic counselor
Treatment of Manifestations
Nonsurgical treatment of ophthalmologic findings
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
Search ClinicalTrials.gov in the US and EU Clinical Trials Register in Europe for access to information on clinical studies for a wide range of diseases and conditions. Note: There may not be clinical trials for this disorder.
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
View trials for Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness
Surveillance is important for prevention of amblyopia, and to treat amblyopia if it occurs.
Routine ophthalmologic visits every three to six months during the first years of life
Annual or biannual examinations in affected individuals once the presence of binocular vision and reduced risk for amblyopia is confirmed, and in all individuals older than age seven to 12
No surveillance in adulthood beyond public health guidelines
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"
No clinical trials have been registered for Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness.
212 publications have been identified in PubMed for Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness. Research spans Basic Science / Preclinical (25%), Review / Meta-Analysis (17%), and Epidemiology / Natural History (15%).
Research Type | Count | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
Laboratory research | 52 | 25% |
Research summaries | 35 | 17% |
Disease patterns and progression | 31 | 15% |
Clinical study results | 29 | 14% |
New treatment approaches | 25 | 12% |
Patient case studies | 21 | 10% |
Testing and diagnosis research | 11 | 5% |
Other research | 8 | 4% |
Magnússon E (2026). [PMID: 39486442](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39486442/). *Int J Speech Lang Pathol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Varga L (2026). [PMID: 41664274](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41664274/). *Ear Hear*. [Diagnostic / Biomarker]
Lasrado AS (2026). [PMID: 41840783](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41840783/). *Journal of binocular vision and ocular motility*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Cheng C (2026). [PMID: 41612696](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41612696/). *Mol Ther*. [Gene Therapy / Novel Therapeutics]
Jiang L (2026). [PMID: 42020731](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42020731/). *Nature*. [Clinical Trial Publication]
Xu K (2026). [PMID: 41492979](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41492979/). *Acta Otolaryngol*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Nappi M (2026). [PMID: 41639121](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41639121/). *Nat Commun*. [Basic Science / Preclinical]
Lee S (2026). [PMID: 41663077](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41663077/). *Pediatr Dermatol*. [Case Report / Case Series]
Chaudhry A (2026). [PMID: 41145374](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41145374/). *Diabetes, obesity & metabolism*. [Review / Meta-Analysis]
Kadihanoglu S (2026). [PMID: 41984073](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41984073/). *Am J Audiol*. [Epidemiology / Natural History]
Data assembled from 6 of 12 sources · Last updated Sep 19, 2026, 8:51 PM UTC
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man
Genetic and Rare Diseases Info Center
Common questions about Duane retraction syndrome 3 with or without deafness
Variably present; more common than in types I or II |
Primary gaze | Esotropia, variably present | Exotropia, variably present | Esotropia more common than exotropia, variably present |
Anomalous head posture / head turn | Turn towards involved side, variably present | Turn towards uninvolved side, variably present | Turn towards involved side, variably present |
Laterality1 | Unilateral or bilateral | Unilateral or bilateral | Unilateral or bilateral Note: An alternative simpler classification is to note the deviation in primary gaze (esotropic or exotropic Duane syndrome) and specify whether there is limitation of adduction, abduction, or both. |
—
HOXA1 | AR | Note: Ocular findings are usually Duane syndrome type III or horizontal gaze palsy; Subsets of individuals manifest ID, autism, moderate-to-severe central hypoventilation, facial weakness, swallowing difficulties, vocal cord paresis, conotruncal heart defects, skull craniofacial abnormalities | — |
Wildervanck syndrome (cervicooculoacoustic syndrome) (OMIM 314600) | Unknown1 | Unknown1 | Deafness |
Klippel-Feil anomaly (fused cervical vertebrae) Goldenhar syndrome(hemifacial microsomia, oculoauriculovertebral spectrum) (OMIM 164210) | Unknown | SporadicADAR | Craniofacial, ocular, cardiac, vertebral, CNS defects, consistent w/maldevelopment of the 1st 2nd branchial arches |
Chromosome 8 anomalies | NA | Sporadic | See footnote 2. |
Other chromosome anomalies | NA | Sporadic | See footnotes 3 4. AD = autosomal dominant; AR = autosomal recessive; CNS = central nervous system; ID = intellectual disability; MOI = mode of inheritance; NA = not applicable Most Wildervanck syndrome is sporadic and limited to females. |
Source: GeneReviews — "Duane Syndrome"