1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Vision

Retina

By Troy Bedinghaus, O.D., About.com

Updated: January 15, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: The light-sensitive layer of tissue located in the back of the eye. The retina receives images formed by the lens and transmits them through the optic nerve to the brain.

Much like film in a camera, images come through the eye's lens and are focused on the retina. The retina then converts these images to electric signals and sends them to the brain.

Explore Vision
About.com Special Features

Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Vision
  4. Vision Glossary
  5. Eye Anatomy
  6. Retina - Definition of Retina

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.