glossary

In the human eye the term fovea (or fovea centralis) is the “pit” in the retina that allows for maximum acuity of vision. The human fovea has a diameter of about 1.0 mm with a high concentration of cone photoreceptors. The centre of the retina, the area of greatest visual acuity. Small depression in the central part of the macula located close to the optical axis of the eye. Central area in the macula that produces the sharpest focus. Contains a high concentration of cones which aid in clear central vision.

A laser burn in the fovea, which can occur as an adverse event during retinal laser treatment.

The center of the fovea is the foveola ? about 0.2 mm in diameter ? where only cone photoreceptors are present. The central fovea consists of very compact cones, thinner and more rod-like in appearance than cones elsewhere. Starting at the outskirts of the fovea, however, rods gradually appear, and the absolute density of cone receptors progressively decreases.