Foveola

Foveola is the tiny pit located in the center of the macula, a small, sensitive area of the retina. The foveola is responsible for sharp, central vision, which is necessary for tasks such as reading, driving, and any activity where visual detail is of primary importance.

Anatomy

The foveola is approximately 0.35 mm in diameter and is surrounded by the parafovea and perifovea. It contains a high concentration of cone cells, which are responsible for color vision. Unlike the rest of the retina, the foveola has no rod cells, which are responsible for peripheral and low-light vision.

Function

The foveola's high concentration of cone cells allows it to provide the most detailed visual information. This is why when we look directly at something, it appears clearer and more detailed than when it is in our peripheral vision. The foveola is also responsible for our ability to perceive color.

Clinical significance

Damage to the foveola can result in a significant loss of central vision. Conditions that can affect the foveola include macular degeneration, macular hole, and macular pucker. These conditions can lead to symptoms such as blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and a decrease in the intensity or brightness of colors.

See also

• Retina
• Macula
• Cone cells
• Rod cells

References

Foveola Resources
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