Parafovea

Parafovea is a region of the retina that surrounds the fovea. It is a part of the macula and is responsible for the second highest resolution of vision in the eye. The parafovea is located approximately 1.25 to 2.75 mm from the center of the fovea.

Anatomy

The parafovea is a circular area that surrounds the fovea and is part of the macula. It is approximately 2.5 mm in diameter. The parafovea is made up of four layers: the ganglion cell layer, the inner plexiform layer, the inner nuclear layer, and the outer plexiform layer. The density of photoreceptor cells in the parafovea is less than that in the fovea, but greater than that in the rest of the retina.

Function

The parafovea is responsible for high-resolution vision, second only to the fovea. It is particularly important for color vision and for seeing fine detail. The parafovea is also involved in peripheral vision, which is the ability to see objects outside the direct line of sight.

Clinical significance

Diseases that affect the parafovea can lead to vision loss. These include macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachment. Early detection and treatment of these conditions can help to preserve vision.

See also

• Fovea
• Macula
• Retina
• Photoreceptor cell

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  Diagram of the macula
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  Illustration of the macula lutea
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  Optical coherence tomography of the retina
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  Spectral domain OCT cross-section of the macula
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  Histological image of the macula
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  Retinography image