According to Cleveland Clinic, “The macula is a tiny part of an already small piece inside your eye, but it plays a huge role in your ability to see clearly.” What is this tiny anatomical structure, and why is keeping it healthy so important for your vision?*

What is the macula?

Lining the back of your eye is a thin layer of tissue called the retina. The retina converts light entering the eye into electrical signals. These signals are sent by the optic nerve to your brain, where they are translated into visual images, granting you sight. 

Part of this process involves the macula, an oval-shaped area about five millimeters wide, that makes up the center of the retina. The macula creates central vision, processing objects that we see in front of us.

Like the rest of the retina, the macula consists mostly of cells known as photoreceptors that take in and change light into electrical signals. Two types of photoreceptors work in tandem to give us an accurate picture of our surroundings.

• Rod-like photoreceptors process black and white light, enable night vision and help us see in dim light.
• Cone-shaped photoreceptors allow us to see color, and give us most of our typical vision.

The macula has a large number of cones, so we can see them with greater detail.

Why is the macula important to eye function?

The macula allows us to discern fine details, such as those involved in:

• Written text,
• Facial features, and
• Tiny movements.

Says Cleveland Clinic, “If your whole retina processes information like a spray from a garden hose, then your macula is an eye dropper that focuses on a very specific amount of information.”

If the macula becomes damaged, light would still enter the eye, but vision would be blurry and without detail.

Common macular conditions and symptoms

Anything that damages the eye as a whole can impact the macula, but specific macular conditions include, among others:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss after 50
• Macular holes, involving nerve cell separation in the macula
• Cystoid macular edema, when fluid builds in the macula in a cyst-like manner

Conditions affecting the retina as a whole can also impact the macula, like:

• Retinitis pigmentosa and other inherited retinal diseases 
• Eye floaters and flashes, from age-related decline in the eye’s vitreous fluid
• Retinal vein occlusion, or obstruction of blood flow out of the retina

Signs or symptoms of macular issues include:

• Blurred vision
• Double vision (diplopia)
• New and persistent eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Noticeable vision deterioration

How can you protect your macula?

To protect your macula, Cleveland Clinic advises:

• Getting your eyes checked regularly (eyeglasses or contact lenses may need adjusting)
• Protecting your eyes during sports or other activities where injury could result
• Wearing UV-protective sunglasses
• Addressing your overall health

When should you see a doctor?

“Anything affecting your macula can cause your vision to get worse,” Cleveland Clinic writes. “That’s why you should see your healthcare provider right away if your eyes or vision suddenly change. Even a little change can be a sign of something that might affect your vision later on.”

*Cleveland Clinic. (2022, May 25). Macula. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23185-macula#