What is the primary role of the retina in the eye?

The primary role of the retina is to convert light into neural signals for the brain. The retina contains photoreceptor cells called rods and cones that detect light. Rods are highly sensitive to light and are responsible for vision in low-light conditions, while cones function in brighter light and are responsible for color vision and detail. When light hits these cells, it triggers a chemical reaction that generates electrical impulses. These impulses are then transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain, where they are interpreted as visual images.

The other options address different functions related to the eye but do not define the primary function of the retina. Protecting the eye from external damage is more related to the structure of the eyelid and tear film. Helping to focus light onto the lens pertains to the roles of the cornea and the lens themselves, which refract light to aid in clear vision. Maintaining intraocular pressure is primarily managed by the aqueous humor within the eye, which is crucial for the eye's shape and health, but it does not involve the function of the retina directly.