The term 'macula' originates from the Latin word for 'spot' and refers to the macula lutea, emphasized in its historical use within medical and non-medical contexts. This term has been associated with ocular structures and conditions for centuries, including references in descriptions of corneal dystrophy and lesions of the eye. The visualization of the macula was historically limited until the ophthalmoscope's invention in 1850, although earlier descriptions existed. Notable figures such as Buzzi and Sömmerring contributed to our understanding of the macula's role and appearance.
The Ophthalmologist’s Time Machine 35
How did the macula get its name?
By
Stephen G. Schwartz,
Susan Schneider,
Christopher T. Leffler,
Andrzej Grzybowski
1/6/2026
3 min read