Visual Acuity and Retinal Organization.
Abstract
Visual acuity depends upon three components: the image upon the retina, the dissection of this image by the retina, and the processing of the signals from the receptors by the visual system. The limitations upon the image on the retina imposed by the optical system of the eye and the wave nature of light are summarized. The receptor mosaic is related to the retinal image by point spread functions for both monochromatic and white light. The image on the retina and receptor mosaic are reviewed as the accepted ultimate limitations on visual acuity. The neural organization of the retina as epitomized in the ganglion cell receptive field is introduced as a mechanism for extending the limits imposed by the optics and receptors. Two types of retinal organization--point-to-point and converging--are developed. The point-to-point representation is shown inadequate from the standpoint of retinal anatomy. The performance of eagle and hawk eyes with ganglion cell-to-receptor ratios of 1:4 and 1:10 are used to illustrate possible mechanisms operating in the human fovea. Suggestions are made for future experimental investigations to choose between alternative models. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA056260
Entities
People
- James Ringo
- Myron L. Wolbarsht
Organizations
- Duke University