The fovea is a small pit about 1.5 mm across at the centre of the macula. Here the inner retinal layers are pushed aside so light falls directly on tightly packed cones. Its very centre, the foveola, has only cones and no rods, and lies within an area free of retinal blood vessels.
| Location | Centre of the macula, on the visual axis |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Ganglion cell axons in the papillomacular bundle |
| Blood Supply | Choriocapillaris (the foveal avascular zone has no retinal capillaries) |
Gives the sharpest detailed vision and best colour discrimination in the visual field.
The fovea is where we point our gaze, so damage here sharply reduces visual acuity. A full-thickness macular hole at the fovea causes a central blind spot and distortion and can be closed by vitrectomy. In central retinal artery occlusion the fovea shows a cherry-red spot because its thin retina lets the underlying choroid show through.
A full-thickness defect at the fovea, often from vitreous traction in older adults. It causes central vision loss and distortion.
Light damage to the foveal photoreceptors from looking at the sun, for example during an eclipse, causing a small central blind spot.
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