American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO) Practice Exam

The primary role of the retina is to convert light into neural signals. This process is essential for vision, as it allows the brain to interpret visual information. When light enters the eye, it is focused through the cornea and lens onto the retina, where photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) are located. These cells detect the intensity and color of light and transform that information into electrical impulses. These impulses are then sent via the optic nerve to the brain, where they are processed into the images we perceive.

Understanding the function of the retina is crucial in ophthalmology, as various diseases and conditions can affect its ability to process light, leading to vision impairment or blindness. Recognizing this key role is fundamental when addressing eye health and diagnosing visual disorders. Other options refer to different functions of various parts of the eye or associated glands, which do not pertain to the primary function of the retina itself.