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Retina

Illustration copyright 2000, 2003 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

The retina is a thin nerve membrane that lines the back two-thirds of the eye. The nerve cells in the retina detect light entering the eye and convert it into nerve signals about what the eye sees. The retina is made up of two layers: the sensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD
- Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, FRCSC
- Ophthalmology
Last Updated September 14, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 14, 2007
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