The macula is a tiny area in the centre of the retina.

The retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye, processes all visual images. Photoreceptor cells in the retina are called ‘rods’ and ‘cones’. Rods are used for peripheral vision and seeing in dim light, while cone cells are needed for sharp sight in bright light.

The macula is packed with cone cells. It gives us detailed and color vision. Thanks to the macula we can see accurately when we look straight ahead. It’s also thanks to the macula we are able to drive, do fine work, recognize faces and read. You are using your macula to read this print.

The macula has a highly specialized blood and nerve supply. And more messages reach the brain from the macula than from any other separate part of the body.

So you see how vital this tiny bit of the eye is to our understanding of the world.

The macula is normally a slightly darker color in the middle because of more pigment in the RPE. It may also look yellowish because of luteal pigment in the inner layers of the retina. This pigment protects the macula from light damage.

If your eyes lose pigment, macular health is threatened and so is your sight. Aging eyes have less pigment, and so do blue or pale-colored eyes.

That’s why we’ve written about the different things you can do to look after your eyes and specifically the macula. Things like wearing good sunglasses, eating vision-friendly foods, and testing your sight. It’s also important to give up smoking and to do some exercise if you can. And you can support your vision by taking a daily supplement formulated for macular health.

Make sure it contains Lutein and Zeaxanthin, as well as other eye nutrients. For more information read our posts on "Lutein Vitamins", "Antioxidant Nutrition" and "Eye Health Nutrients" (see category on right).

Why are Lutein and Zeaxanthin important for macular health? They:

    •    shield the macula from harmful UV light
    •    improve macular pigmentation
    •    have powerful antioxidant properties
    •    have an affinity with the macula
    •    are naturally present in high concentrations in a healthy macula

The good news is that both Lutein and Zeaxanthin are now available for you to take in supplement form. They can be made from ground-up marigold petals or else synthesized. So if your natural levels of these carotenoids have depleted, you can replace them.