ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Retinal pigment epithelium

Retinal pigment epithelium or RPE is a fancy word for a layer of tiny cells that lives behind your eyes. Think of it like the paint on the inside of a house. This layer is very important for your eyes because it helps keep them healthy and working properly!

The RPE is like a little barrier between the back of your eye and the rest of your body. It has a lot of different jobs, but some of the most important ones are:

1. Absorbing excess light: Your eyes can't handle too much light, so the RPE absorbs any extra light that might hurt your eyes.

2. Helping your retina see: The RPE gives nutrients and oxygen to your retina, which is the part of your eye that helps you see.

3. Getting rid of waste: Just like how your body needs to get rid of waste, your eyes do too. The RPE helps clean up any waste from your retina so your eyes stay healthy.

Overall, the RPE is like a little army of cells that help protect and nourish your eyes so you can see well. It might be a little hard to remember all of the big words, but just think of it as the paint that keeps your house (or eyes) in good condition!
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