retina

The retina is the light sensitive structure in the back of the eye that detects images and converts light into signals that our brain can understand. The retina works like “film in a camera.”  When light enters the eye, it travels through the cornea in the front, through the dark pupil, through the lens/cataract, before striking the retina in the back.  The retina is a pretty remarkable structure because of its high resolution and ability to detect light in very dark situations.  The photoreceptors (rods and cones) detect black and white and color light, respectively.  The macula is the central area of the retina that is responsible for our central vision. There are more photoreceptors packed in this area to allow high resolution central vision.