What part of the eye is responsible for processing visual information?

The retina is the part of the eye responsible for processing visual information. It contains photoreceptor cells known as rods and cones, which convert light into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve, allowing for the interpretation of images and colors. The retina essentially plays a crucial role in the visual pathway, serving as the primary site for capturing and interpreting the light that enters the eye.

The iris controls the size of the pupil and thus the amount of light that enters the eye, but it does not process visual information. The pupil is an opening that allows light to enter the eye, while the cornea acts as a protective layer and helps to focus light but also does not process visual data like the retina does.