- the macula (also known as macula lutea) is a small, oval-shaped area near the center of the retina in the human eye, responsible for sharp central vision (also called high-acuity vision). it contains a high concentration of photoreceptor cells, especially cone cells, essential for detailed vision, color perception, reading, and recognizing faces.
- key functions:
- detailed and sharp central vision
- color perception
- visual tasks like reading, driving, and face recognition
- structure:
- contains the fovea, a small central pit densely packed with cones for maximum visual acuity.
- high concentration of carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin) that protect against oxidative stress and blue-light damage.
- associated conditions:
- maintaining macular health (e.g., through diet rich in carotenoids) helps preserve clear, sharp central vision.