Dark adaptation
Dark Adaptation
Dark adaptation (/dɑːrk ædæptəˈteɪʃən/) is a process by which the eyes increase their sensitivity to low levels of light. It is a physiological process that allows the eyes to adjust to darkness after exposure to bright light.
Etymology
The term "dark adaptation" is derived from the English words "dark", meaning the absence of light, and "adaptation", which refers to the process of adjusting or becoming accustomed to new conditions.
Process
Dark adaptation involves the retina of the eye, specifically the rod cells and cone cells. When moving from a brightly lit area to a dark one, the eyes initially see very little, but over time they adjust to the darkness. This is due to the regeneration of the photopigment Rhodopsin, which is bleached in bright light and takes time to regenerate in the dark.
Related Terms
- Photopic vision: Vision under well-lit conditions, which is primarily mediated by the cone cells.
- Scotopic vision: Vision in low light, which is primarily mediated by the rod cells.
- Mesopic vision: Vision in intermediate light levels, where both the rod cells and cone cells contribute.
- Bleaching: The process by which light causes the photopigment in the eye to become colorless.
- Rhodopsin: A biological pigment found in the rod cells of the retina that is responsible for the first step in the perception of light.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Dark adaptation
- Wikipedia's article - Dark adaptation
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