What is a Fovea?

People often have questions when they visit their eye doctor in Miami, and many of them relate to parts of the eye that most people don’t even know about. If you are having a particular problem with your eyes, then you may have researched information to find out what your problem could be. One part of the eye that many people aren’t aware of is the fovea. The fovea is actually a depression in the macula, or center portion of the retina, that contains a large number of cones. The fovea is also known as the fovea centralis, and it’s actually one of the most important parts of the eye overall. Without the color and light sensing rods and cones, people would not be able to see images as clearly or distinctly as they do. If you’re curious about the fovea and other parts of your eye, be sure to ask your eye doctor in Miami Beach to explain more about them on your next visit.

Facts About the Fovea

Those who are interested in learning more about their fovea are probably anxious to learn facts about this crucial part of their eye. Here are some things your Miami eye doctor may tell you if you ask them to explain more about the fovea:

• The word fovea is actually latin for “small pit” because it is literally a depression in the macula.
• The optic nerves that transmit images to the brain carry half of their information from the fovea alone, and the other half from the other portions of the retina.
• The diameter of the average fovea is about 1.5mm, which is much smaller than the entirety of the retina.
• The central part of the fovea, or the foveola, is only about 0.2mm in diameter and contains over 90% cones and virtually no rods.

Keeping Your Fovea Healthy and Functioning

In order to ensure that your fovea and the rest of your eye is in good health, you need to be sure that you are eating the right foods or consuming the right nutrients. Lutein and zeaxanthin are two important carotenoid pigments that are concentrated in the fovea, which is why it’s important to consume them on a daily basis. Your Miami Beach eye doctor may recommend that you start taking a lutein and zeaxanthin supplement if you are starting to display symptoms of optical issues related to a lack of these essential nutrients.

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