Eye terminology

Eye Structure and Terms

Choroid The vascular coat of the eye which supplies the photoreceptors (the visual cells) with oxygen and nutrients.

Retina A multi-layered group of cells that converts light stimuli into electrical signals that are sent to the brain to make images.

Fovea The central part of the retina that is responsible for the very best vision.

Macula The region of the retina including and surrounding the fovea that is responsible for sharp vision that is required for reading and driving.

Optic nerve The collection of nerve fibers that carries impulses from the retina to the brain. Sclera The tough outer coat of the eye that protects the delicate inner structures.

Subretinal hemorrhage A collection of blood underneath the retina usually due to bleeding from abnormal blood vessels.

Atrophy Death, degeneration.

Drusen A collection of yellow material under the retina and the pigment epithelium.