A thin nerve tissue in the back of the eye. It receives an image from the lens and transforms this image into electrical impulses that are carried by the optic nerve to the brain for interpretation. (Ref: Contact Lens Council) The central area of the retina (the macula) provides the clear, sharp central vision that you use for focusing on what is in front of you. The rest of the retina provides side (peripheral) vision. (Ref: WebMD)