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What is a Fovea?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A fovea is a depression in an anatomical structure. People often use the term “fovea” to refer specifically to the fovea centralis, a critical area of the eye which allows people to see with exceptional clarity and precision. When people engage in tasks which require high levels of visual acuity, such as reading or driving, they are relying heavily on the fovea centralis to perform these tasks successfully. As a result, damage to this section of the eye can be particularly problematic.

This structure is located in the middle of the macula, the area of the retina which is more generally responsible for acute vision. The very center of the fovea features a dense cluster of cones, surrounded by an array of rods and cones which are more tightly packed than elsewhere in the eye. This region also connects with a cluster of nerve cells to provide as many signals to the optic nerve as possible, ensuring that no detail is lost. If something is perceived by one of the rods or cones in the fovea, it will be transmitted to the optic nerve, and eventually the brain.

The eye's fovea centralis enables humans to experience the world with visual acuity.
The eye's fovea centralis enables humans to experience the world with visual acuity.

A number of opthalmological conditions can involve the fovea, causing problems with visual perception and acuity. Although someone will not be blind without the fovea centralis, he or she will be at a significant disadvantage without this dense cluster of cells used in visual perception. Damage to this area of the eye such as that caused by macular degeneration can lead to progressively worse vision and struggles with reading and precision tasks in particular.

It's important to have periodic vision exams, especially if the patient notices any changes in vision.
It's important to have periodic vision exams, especially if the patient notices any changes in vision.

People tend to be especially sensitive to changes in the fovea, even subtle ones, because they can have such a profound impact on vision. If changes are observed, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible to determine their cause and explore treatment and management options. Ignoring vision problems can result in long term damage which will be impossible to treat or repair.

During an eye exam, the ophthalmologist may be able to spot any emerging issues with the fovea centralis before symptoms develop.
During an eye exam, the ophthalmologist may be able to spot any emerging issues with the fovea centralis before symptoms develop.

Regular eye exams can be used to check on the health of the fovea and the surrounding structures. Even if someone isn't experiencing vision problems, issues could be emerging, and if they are identified promptly, it can greatly improve the prognosis for the patient. In an eye exam, the doctor will look into the eye to see the retina and assess its level of health, and diagnostic testing may be used to address specific concerns if a patient appears to be at special risk for a particular condition.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

lovealot

Our eyes are very precious to all of us. We often take them for granted. Sure, there are certain eye conditions that have unknown causes or they just happen due to aging or genetic factors. At the first sign that something is not right with your eyes, check with your eye doctor right away.

With fovea conditions, we lose our ability to see close work clearly, or the ability to distinguish all the objects that must be noticed clearly when driving, like road signs, colors, lights, etc., You may find yourself in a difficult situation - how to get to work, and how to do your job properly.

Clairdelune

I know someone who works for an ophthalmologist. She said that so many people wait so long before coming in when they have an eye problem. Conditions, such as problems with the fovea, are easier to treat when they are detected early on. A yearly exam by an ophthalmologist, not just a vision exam, is a wise idea.

She said that it is devastating for someone to lose their sharp vision abilities, such as reading, sewing, or especially driving. She also mentioned that our color perception is centered in the fovea. Those are some big human eye functions that could be greatly diminished if fovea conditions are not treated promptly.

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    • The eye's fovea centralis enables humans to experience the world with visual acuity.
      By: arturas kerdokas
      The eye's fovea centralis enables humans to experience the world with visual acuity.
    • It's important to have periodic vision exams, especially if the patient notices any changes in vision.
      By: fred goldstein
      It's important to have periodic vision exams, especially if the patient notices any changes in vision.
    • During an eye exam, the ophthalmologist may be able to spot any emerging issues with the fovea centralis before symptoms develop.
      By: Monkey Business
      During an eye exam, the ophthalmologist may be able to spot any emerging issues with the fovea centralis before symptoms develop.
    • Failing to detect vision problems early can lead to long-term, untreatable conditions.
      By: Leah-Anne Thompson
      Failing to detect vision problems early can lead to long-term, untreatable conditions.
    • People tend to be especially sensitive to changes in the fovea.
      By: iko
      People tend to be especially sensitive to changes in the fovea.
    • The health of the fovea will be checked during an eye exam.
      By: jamstockfoto
      The health of the fovea will be checked during an eye exam.