The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) is a layer of pigmented cells in the retina. Key functions:
- Light absorption: Absorbs stray light, reducing scatter and improving visual acuity.
- Photoreceptor maintenance: Provides nutrients and waste removal for photoreceptors.
- Blood-retina barrier: Regulates the exchange of substances between the choroid and retina.
- Retinal health: Plays a role in retinal development, maintenance, and repair.
The RPE is essential for maintaining the health and function of photoreceptors and the retina as a whole. Dysfunction or degeneration of the RPE can lead to retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).