Scientists from Nagoya City University have found that visual acuity (contrast sensitivity) can be improved by using a special light that selectively stimulates retinal cells containing melanopsin. Article published in the journal vision research.
The retina contains cone cells that are sensitive to color in bright light and rod cells that are active in the dark. For a long time it was believed that people see and identify objects only with the help of these two types of cells. But around the year 2000, a third type of photoreceptor, melanopsin-containing ganglion cells (ipRGC), was discovered in the retina. They have been reported to affect circadian rhythm regulation, pupillary light reflex, brightness perception, and mood.
In a new study, scientists have developed the first experimental device that stimulates only melanopsin-containing cells with light. They found that contrast sensitivity in humans increased with further stimulation of melanopsin-containing cells, without changing the brightness or color of the light.
Contrast sensitivity is the ability to distinguish between different shades of brightness in text and images. High contrast sensitivity allows people to distinguish between the subject and the background behind it. The work will help develop innovative lighting products and displays to maintain contrast sensitivity in the dark.
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Source: Gazeta
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