Your Macula - Critical for Sharp, Detailed VisionThe macula is located in the back of the eye, in the center of the retina. Read more to discover the key role it plays in your vision.
The Macula
This small spot is:√ A yellow, oval spot located in the center of the retina at the back of the eye √ Very small - less than 1/4" √ Responsible for our detailed vision - such as reading, and doing fine tasks like sewing √ Responsible for our straight ahead or central vision - needed to see faces or to watch TV. The rest of the retina is responsible for our peripheral or side vision √ Light sensitive layer of tissue √ Responsible for our color perception
Layers of TissueThe health of this tiny center of the retina is dependent on how well the layers of tissue function that feed it and remove built up waste material. These layers are:1) The Choroid Layer - Rich with capillaries and supplies blood and oxygen to the photoreceptor cells 2) Bruch's Membrane - is a membrane that separates the choroidal blood vessels from the retinal pigment epithelium layer 3) Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) - provides oxygen and nutrients from the choroid layer to the photoreceptor cells; also removes and transport built up waste away from the rods and cones back to the choroid capillaries
4) Photoreceptor Cells - millions of photoreceptor cells change the light into nerve signals that tell the brain what we are seeing; mostly made up of cone cells
Macular DiseaseAs we age, the supporting tissue to the macula are not functioning as well and do not get the needed nutrients and oxygen to these cells. The transport of these nutrients are affected as well as the removal of waste products.There are several conditions that affect this specialized center of the retina. They are: 1) Macular Edema - this edema or swelling is caused by fluid leaking into this area from retinal blood vessels. The swelling causes the tissue to raise and causes a distortion of vision 2) Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) occurs when the layers supporting this tissue become clogged and inefficient and the photoreceptors in the center of the retina degenerate and die. Because this tiny spot is responsible for central, detailed and color vision, you can understand why these functions are lost when a person develops AMD. To read more about age related macular degeneration click here:
Definition of Macular Degeneration
Go from Macula to Macular Degeneration
Contact Leslie Degner, RN, BSN
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