Subfoveal

Subfoveal refers to a location within the eye, specifically an area in the macula. The macula is a small, highly sensitive region at the back of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision, crucial for tasks like reading and recognizing faces. The fovea is the very center of the macula, a tiny pit that contains a high concentration of cone photoreceptor cells, enabling the clearest vision.

The term "subfoveal" indicates a position directly beneath the fovea. This anatomical area is significant in ophthalmology, particularly in the context of certain retinal diseases. For instance, the development of abnormal blood vessels, a hallmark of conditions like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy, can occur in the subfoveal space.

When neovascularization, or the growth of new blood vessels, happens subfoveally, it can lead to serious vision impairment. These new vessels are often fragile and can leak fluid or blood into the retinal layers, disrupting the normal structure and function of the macula. This leakage can cause rapid and severe loss of central vision, making treatment of subfoveal neovascularization a critical aspect of managing these retinal conditions.