Fovea

Fovea

Eye Care > Diseases of the Eye > Fovea

What is the Fovea?

The fovea (arrow) is the center most part of the macula.

This tiny area is responsible for our central, sharpest vision. A healthy fovea is the key for reading, watching television, driving, and other activities that require the ability to see detail.

Unlike the peripheral retina, it has no blood vessels. Instead, it has a very high concentration of cones (photoreceptors responsible for color vision), allowing us to appreciate colour.

Illustrations by Mark Erickson
With acknowledgement to St. Lukes Eye Hospital.