Loss of the ability to see things directly in front of the eye, a symptom that often occurs in patients with macular degeneration. The macula of the retina contains the greatest concentration of cone photoreceptors in the eye and is the location on the retina where vision is sharpest and colors are perceived with greatest clarity. When diseases like macular degeneration disturb the integrity of the macula, central vision loss occurs. A sudden loss of central vision is an ophthalmological emergency, requiring referral to a retinal specialist as soon as possible.
Sight involving the macula lutea, a specific area of the retina.