Objective To observe the dimensions of the capillary blood vessel arch in central fovea of macula and the foveal avascular area (FAZ), and their relationships with age.Methods Retina in macula of 32 cadavers eyes were isolated . Retinal vessels were immunostained by collagen type IV and examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The area and diameter of the FAZ were measured, and the relationship between FAZ and age was analysed. Results The parafoveolar capillary network was observed clearly by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The average area of the FAZ was (0.24±0.13) mm2, and the average diameter was (0.54±0.15) mm. The area and diameter of the FAZ did not show any correlation with age.Conclusions The parafoveolar capillary network could be observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The size of the FAZ does not change with age. The dimensions of the parafoveolar capillary network may not be influenced by age. (Chin J Ocul Fundus Dis，2003，19：73-75)