The fovea of the eye (or fovea centralis) is located in the center of the macula that is located in the retina and makes it possible for the eye to appreciate the details of the images. The fovea contains large numbers of cone cells, light-sensitive cells that make detailed central vision possible. visual acuity.
The fovea centralis is the center of the campor visual and it is essential to carry out actions such as driving or reading.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada We explain the medical definition of a fovea and mention some diseases that can affect this part of the eye.
What is the fovea of the eye?
The fovea of the eye is, for practical purposes, the center of the campor visual. The fovea is located in the macula lutea, which is the part of the retina receiving light rays and covers about 1.5 square millimeters.
The concentration of cones and the absence of blood vessels in the central fovea make it possible for a person to enjoy good detail vision and excellent visual acuity.
Typically, the visual acuity of a 3-year-old child is 50%. This indicates that the fovea develops during the early life up to five years.
What structure does it have?
The fovea, despite being a small part of the retina, is made up of different structures.
These are the parts that compose it:
- retinal photoreceptor layer: convert the light en nerve impulses that are sent to the brain for it transforms them into images.
- Foveal avascular zone without blood vessels: allows light is detected correctly.
- Foveal hole: located in the depression of the fovea.
- Choroid: sends oxygen to the fovea from its blood vessels.
- The foveola: it is the floor of the foveal depression and is made up only of cones.
- The central fovea: contains the compacted cones in a hexagon-shaped pattern.
Diseases that affect the central fovea
During the first years of life, many parts of the eyeballincluding the fovea of the eye.
Any inconvenience during development can cause diseases in the retina affecting the fovea centralis.
Diseases that affect this part of the macula lutea are:
- Ocular albinism: It is a hereditary disease that prevents the eye from forming sharp images. This is due to a malformation of the fovea caused by the absence of melanin.
- Macular degeneration: it is a degenerative disease of the macula that occurs over the years and is considered one of the main causes of loss of vision.
- Macular edema: is the accumulation of fluid that occurs in the macula due to the cataract surgery, Diabetic retinopathy or thrombosis
- Central retinal vein occlusion: total or partial dilation of the veins that draw blood and fluids into the retina.
- Retinitis pigmentosa: genetic disease that affects the way the retina responds to light. It is one of the causes of macular edema.
- Retinoblastoma: retinal cancer.
- Diabetic retinopathy: vascular affection that is due to the metabolic disorder of people with diabetes not controlled.
En Área Oftalmológica Avanzada we are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the central fovea. Feel free to contact us if you need one complete ophthalmological examination. We will wait for you!
