Definition of Retina

Retina: The retina is the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, senses light, and creates impulses that travel through the optic nerve to the brain. There is a small area, called the macula, in the retina that contains special light-sensitive cells. The macula allows us to see fine details clearly.

The eye has a number of other components. These include the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, optic nerve and vitreous.

The cornea is the clear front window of the eye that transmits and focuses light into the eye.

The iris is the colored part of the eye that helps regulate the amount of light that enters the eye.

The pupil is the dark aperture in the iris that determines how much light is let into the eye.

The lens is the transparent structure inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the retina.

The optic nerve is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain and carries the impulses formed by the retina to the visual cortex of the brain.

The vitreous humor is a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the middle of the eye.