The human visual cortex response to melanopsin-directed stimulation is accompanied by a distinct perceptual experience
Abstract
Melanopsin-containing retinal cells detect bright light and contribute to reflex visual responses such as pupil constriction. Their role in conscious, cortical vision is less understood. Using functional MRI to measure brain activity, we find that melanopsin-directed stimulation reaches the visual cortex in people. Such stimulation also produces a distinct perceptual experience. Our results have clinical importance as melanopsin function may contribute to the discomfort that some people experience from bright light.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 2017
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.1711522114
Entities
People
- Andrew S. Bock
- David H. Brainard
- Geoffrey Karl Aguirre
- Giulia Frazzetta
- Jack Ryan
- Manuel Spitschan
Organizations
- National Institutes of Health
- United States Department of Defense
- University of Pennsylvania