The retina is the thin layer of tissue that lines the inner wall of the eye. The retina is like film of a camera. It is the seeing tissue of the eye. When focused light hits the retina, a "picture" is taken and messages about the picture are sent to the brain by the optic nerve. This is how we see. Unfortunately, in contrast to many other eye tissues, the retina cannot be replaced, it must be repaired. The most important portion of the retina is about 6 pin-heads in size and located near the optic nerve at the back of the eye. This small area is called the macula and is responsible for our abilities to read, drive a car, and recognize facial details.

Most serious retinal problems that require surgery are caused by problems with the vitreous. Much like the clear "white" of an egg, the vitreous is the clear gel which fills the central cavity of the eye. It is attached to the retina at the sides of the eye. It is also attached in the back part of the eye to the optic nerve, the macula (center of the retina), and the large retinal blood vessels.