The macula is the small central area of the retina responsible for detailed vision, colour perception, and tasks such as reading and recognising faces. It lies at the back of the eye in the line of sight.
Structure and Function
The macula contains a high concentration of cone photoreceptor cells, especially in its central fovea, allowing sharp central vision. Surrounding retinal areas provide peripheral and motion-sensitive vision.
- Typically measures only a few millimetres across
- Central vision depends heavily on macular health
- Conditions such as macular degeneration or macular oedema directly affect this region
- Imaging tests like OCT give detailed cross-sectional views of the macula
Clinical Relevance
Damage to the macula can cause distortion, blurred central vision, or missing patches while side vision remains relatively preserved. Many retinal treatments aim to protect or restore macular structure to maintain functional sight.
- Early symptoms often include difficulty reading or recognising faces
- Regular eye examinations help detect macular changes before they become advanced
- Monitoring tools such as grids can be used at home for some conditions
- Visual aids are important when permanent macular damage has occurred
