Retina & Light

An eye doctor in Miami is often asked how people are able to perceive light and color. The answer to this question is complex, but it can be summed up in ways that are easy for the average person to understand. The retina is located in the back of the eye, which is the part that sends electrical signals to the brain. It’s also the part of the eye that contains photoreceptors known as rods and cones. These rods and cones are what give people the ability to distinguish colors. If someone is color blind or unable to see certain colors, then it’s likely because they have abnormal rods and cones. Your doctor in Miami Beach will be able to explain more about how the retina is able to receive light if you wish to ask them about it.

Rods, Cones, the Retina, and Light

In order for people to be able to see normally, they must have the correct amount of rods and cones in their retina. A Miami eye doctor will be able to run some tests to determine if someone has the ability to detect colors and light normally or not.

• There are around 120 million rods in the average retina, all of which are more sensitive to light than the cones are.
• The cones, which number around 6-7 million, are responsible for color perception more so than light/dark perception.
• The cones are mostly found in the central part of the retina, known as the macula, where they are surrounded by the rods.

How Light and Color is Perceived by the Brain

Many people are shocked when their Miami Beach eye doctor tells them that the photoreceptors in their retina are only capable of perceiving red, blue, and green. However, these are the most basic color categories that every other color can be created from. For example, if someone is looking at a yellow object, it’s because the red and green photoreceptors are allowing someone to see it that way. The rods and cones work in conjunction with each other to allow someone to see the actual the color they are looking at. If it weren’t for the retina and all of the receptors located in it, people would be unable to see things the way they do today.

photo credit: NabzIsALamb ✮ My eye via photopin (license)