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The retina is the light sensitive tissue layer at the back of the eye. The cones and rods of the retina send messages about what is seen along the optic nerve to the brain, where these messages are interpreted into the pictures we see.

Light rays enter the eye through the transparent cornea at the front of the eye, then pass through the pupil in the centre of the iris. The light then passes through the lens and vitreous (a jelly-like substance) before reaching the retina.

A retinal detachment is the separation of the retina and the underlying inner wall of the eye. This is similar to wallpaper peeling off a wall. The part that is detached (peeled off) will not work properly, and the picture the brain receives becomes patchy or may be lost completely. An operation is necessary to replace the detached retina in its proper position.



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