CORTICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE MACULA LUTEA

Abstract

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this paper is to present a review of the origin and development of the conception of the cortical representation of the macula, with especial reference to the theory of bilateral representation of both halves of the macula. A large number of observations bearing on the subject have been recorded, and more are constantly being reported, often without adequate survey of what has gone before. It appears somewhat unlikely that further new cases will radically alter the broad outlines of the situation. The type of study which seems at present most likely to illuminate the question is a critical and unprejudiced evaluation of the data now available. 1. The Definition of the Macula and of the Fovea. —Among perimetrists, there appears to be a tendency to ascribe a somewhat elastic value to the size of the macula. Thus, Bunge suggested that it subtends 7 degrees; Wilbrand (1890),