What is the “Macula”?

The macula is a portion of the retina made up of millions of light-sensing cells that provide sharp, detailed central vision. The retina quickly turns light into electrical signals and then sends these electrical signals to the brain through the optic nerves. Next, the brain translates the electrical signals into images that we can see. If the macula is damaged, fine points in these images are not clear. AMD leads to photoreceptor degeneration of the overlying central retina, or macula, and ultimately, loss of central vision.