What is the function of the retina in the eye?

The retina plays a crucial role in the process of vision by functioning as the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that converts light into neural signals. When light enters the eye, it first passes through the cornea and lens, which focus the light onto the retina. The cells in the retina, particularly the photoreceptors known as rods and cones, detect this light. Rods are sensitive to low levels of light and are primarily responsible for night vision, while cones detect color and are critical for daylight and color vision.

Once the photoreceptors absorb the light, they generate electrical signals that are then processed by other retinal neurons before being sent to the brain via the optic nerve. The brain interprets these signals as visual images, allowing us to perceive our surroundings. Therefore, the primary function of the retina is to translate the light stimulus into a format that our brain can understand, making the conversion of light into neural signals essential for vision.