fovea

The fovea, or fovea centralis, is a small, specialized region at the center of the retina’s macula that provides the sharpest central vision. It is the area of highest visual acuity and color discrimination when the eye fixates on an object.

Structurally, the fovea is a shallow pit formed by the lateral displacement of the inner retinal layers. The central part, called the foveola, contains a high density of cone photoreceptors and is almost devoid of rod photoreceptors. In the fovea, most inner retinal layers are displaced to reduce light scattering and to shorten the path from photoreceptors to ganglion cells. This arrangement, along with a direct connection from cones to bipolar and ganglion cells and minimal neural convergence, supports highly precise spatial resolution.

The fovea is also defined by a foveal avascular zone, an area without retinal capillaries to minimize light obstruction and scattering. Blood supply to the fovea comes from the choroid through the choriocapillaris to nourish the outer retina, while the surrounding parafoveal retina receives nourishment from retinal vessels.

Functionally, the fovea is essential for tasks requiring detailed vision, such as reading and recognizing fine details and colors. Its development occurs early in life as the cone mosaic forms and the outer layers optimize visual transmission. Clinically, diseases affecting the fovea or its surrounding macula—such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, or macular holes—can cause central vision loss and impaired visual acuity.