Central vision: Straight-ahead vision. Central vision is the work of the macula, a small area in the center of the retina that contains a rich collection of cones. (The retina is made up of two types of cells, the cones and the rods. Millions of cones are packed into the macula. The cones are nerve cells sensitive to light, fine detail, and color.) Central vision permits a person to read, drive, and perform other activities that require fine, sharp, straight-ahead vision. As opposed to peripheral vision.