If laser energy is sufficiently high, which part of the eye can suffer permanent damage?

The retina is the correct answer because it is highly sensitive to light and is crucial for vision, containing photoreceptor cells that convert light into neural signals. High-energy laser exposure can result in photochemical damage or thermal injury to the retina, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss.

The retina's delicate structure makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of high-intensity light. When exposed to a powerful laser beam, the energy can create a localized heating effect that can burn or damage the retinal tissue, especially at the macula, which is responsible for sharp, central vision.

In contrast, while the cornea is also susceptible to laser damage, particularly in cases of direct exposure, it typically has a greater capacity for healing than the retinal tissue. The iris and pupil are involved in regulating light entry into the eye but are not directly responsible for processing visual information and are less likely to suffer permanent damage from laser exposure compared to the retina.