From the Research
Definition of Foveal Reflex
- The foveal reflex is a type of light reflex that occurs in the fovea, which is the central part of the macula responsible for sharp vision 1.
- It is one of the normal reflexes of the ocular fundus, along with the macular, intramacular, paramacular, perimacular, and plane-like reflexes 1.
Characteristics of Foveal Reflex
- The foveal reflex is formed on the surface of the internal limiting membrane and can be seen as a small, bright spot in the center of the macula 2.
- It is a physiological reflex that can be affected by various factors, such as age, pigmentation, and refractive errors 2.
- Changes in the foveal reflex can indicate underlying pathological conditions, such as optic atrophy or retinal degeneration 3.
Clinical Significance of Foveal Reflex
- The foveal reflex can be used as a clinical tool to assess the health of the macula and the optic nerve 4.
- Alterations in the foveal reflex can be associated with various ocular diseases, such as macular dystrophies, retinal detachment, or optic neuropathies 5, 3.
- The presence or absence of the foveal reflex can provide valuable information for diagnosing and monitoring ocular diseases 1, 4.