US Medical Term · anatomy
Retina
Retina
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Retina |
| Spanish (Español) | Retina |
| Chinese (中文) | 視網膜 |
| Korean (한국어) | 망막 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Võng mạc |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Retina |
| Portuguese (Português) | Retina |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | จอตา |
| Japanese (日本語) | 網膜 |
What it means
The retina is a thin layer of light-sensitive tissue lining the inside back of your eye. It works like the film in a camera. When light enters your eye and hits the retina, specialized cells called rods and cones convert it into electrical signals. These signals travel through the optic nerve to your brain, which interprets them as images. The central part of the retina, called the macula, is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment can seriously damage vision. A detached retina is a medical emergency — if the retina peels away from the back of the eye without prompt treatment, permanent vision loss can occur.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My eye doctor found early signs of retinal damage from my diabetes.
Mi oftalmólogo encontró señales tempranas de daño en la retina por mi diabetes.
I suddenly saw flashes of light and floaters — could my retina be detaching?
De repente vi destellos de luz y manchas flotantes — ¿podría estar desprendiéndose mi retina?
The specialist said I need laser treatment to seal a tear in my retina.
El especialista dijo que necesito tratamiento con láser para sellar un desgarro en mi retina.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026