What is the macula?
The macula is part of the retina at the back of the eye. It is only about 5mm across, but is responsible for our central vision, most of our colour vision and the fine detail of what we see. A healthy macula is about 250 microns (one quarter of a millimetre) thick.
The macula has a very high concentration of photoreceptor cells – the cells that detect light. They send signals to the brain, which interprets them as images. The rest of the retina processes our peripheral, or side vision.
Cross-section of the eye
Last review date: 03 2022
Macular conditions
Nearly 1.5m people in the UK have macular disease. There are many types of macular disease affecting people of all ages, with the most common being age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Find out more about AMD and other conditions.
How is macular disease diagnosed?
Learn how macular disease is diagnosed through various tests and examinations. Optometrists and specialists can use photography or other imaging to detect early signs of macular degeneration.
Is your sight at risk?
Worried you might be at risk of macular disease?
Just answer five simple questions and we'll estimate your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It'll only take a minute, and it could make a world of difference to your sight.
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