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With the term
“macula”
, we mean the central area of the retina, i.e. the
nerve layer of the eye that receives the optical impulses.
The yellowish appearance of the macula is due to the carotenoids
which are absorbed by eating.
The macula can acquire many diseases with multiple mechanisms at
different phases in one’s life. Most often though degeneration appears
in later life, hence the term
“age related macular degeneration”
.
What is the macula?
What is Age Related Macular
Degeneration?
Fovea
(1,5 mm)
© 2015 ATHENS EYE HOSPITAL - NIKOLAOS PAPAZOGLOU M.D.
Macula
(6 mm)
At the center of the macula there is a central indentation called the
“fovea”
. It is the area of the retina which is the most sensitive to fine
details and color. This is where optical stimuli that are directly in front
of us are gathered.
The significance of the macula is obviously paramount for all
our activities and whatever degeneration in this section, causes
deterioration to the central vision, impairing our ability to read, drive
etc.
