What is the primary function of the retina in the eye?

The retina's primary function is to convert light images into chemical signals. It contains photoreceptor cells, known as rods and cones, which are sensitive to light. When light hits these cells, they undergo a biochemical process that changes light into electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing it to interpret visual information.

The other functions related to the eye, such as regulating light entry or focusing light rays, are carried out by different structures within the eye. For instance, the iris regulates the amount of light that enters the eye, and the lens focuses light rays onto the retina. However, it is the retina that plays the crucial role of transforming that focused light into signals that the brain can understand, making its function vital for vision.