Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Vision

Vision

Vision is the result of light being detected and transduced into neural signals by the retina of the eye. This information is then further analyzed and interpreted by the brain. First, light enters the front of the eye and is focused by the cornea and lens onto the retina—a thin sheet of neural tissue lining the back of the eye. Because of refraction through the convex lens of the eye, images are projected onto the retina upside-down and reversed.

The Retina

The Retina

The retina is a layer of nervous tissue at the back of the eye that transduces light into neural signals. This process, called phototransduction, is carried out by rod and cone photoreceptor cells in the back of the retina.

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways

At the molecular level, visual signals trigger transformations in photopigment molecules, resulting in changes in the photoreceptor cell's membrane potential. The photon's energy level is denoted by its wavelength, with each specific wavelength of visible light associated with a distinct color. The spectral range of visible light, classified as electromagnetic radiation, spans from 380 to 720 nm. Electromagnetic radiation wavelengths exceeding 720 nm fall under the infrared category,...

Visual System

Visual System

Light enters the eye through the cornea, a transparent, dome-shaped surface covering the surface of the eyeball that helps to direct and focus incoming light. This light is then channeled toward the pupil, an adjustable opening whose size is controlled by the iris. The iris, a pigmented muscle, regulates the amount of light entering the eye by contracting or dilating the pupil, thereby ensuring optimal light levels for clear vision.
Once through the pupil, the light passes through the lens, a...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Neutron guide optimization for the Moroccan PGAA system.

Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine·2021

Same author

Management of subluxed and dislocated intraocular lenses in patients with uveitis: a practical approach.

Ocular immunology and inflammation·2020

Same author

Simulation of a collimator and sapphire filter for PGAA facility of the Moroccan TRIGA MARK II research reactor.

Applied radiation and isotopes : including data, instrumentation and methods for use in agriculture, industry and medicine·2019

Same author

Ultra-widefield fundus fluorescein angiography in the diagnosis and management of retinal vasculitis.

Eye (London, England)·2017

Same author

A dermatological questionnaire for general practitioners in England with a focus on melanoma; misdiagnosis in black patients compared to white patients.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV·2016

Same author

Vitrectomy for primary symptomatic vitreous opacities: an evidence-based review.

Eye (London, England)·2016

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Methodology for Biomimetic Chemical Neuromodulation of Rat Retinas with the Neurotransmitter Glutamate In Vitro

Methodology for Biomimetic Chemical Neuromodulation of Rat Retinas with the Neurotransmitter Glutamate In Vitro

Published on: December 19, 2017

Electronic retinal implants and artificial vision: journey and present.

J O Mills^1,2, A Jalil^1,2, P E Stanga^1,2,3

¹Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester, UK.

Eye (London, England)

|May 27, 2017

Summary

Retinal implants like Argus II and Alpha-IMS offer hope for visual dysfunction caused by retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration. While not yet fully restoring vision, these devices improve quality of life and visual function.

More Related Videos

A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

Published on: February 11, 2014

Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted with a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis: Part 2 Epiretinal Implants with Retinal Tacks

Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted with a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis: Part 2 Epiretinal Implants with Retinal Tacks

Published on: February 14, 2015

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2026

Methodology for Biomimetic Chemical Neuromodulation of Rat Retinas with the Neurotransmitter Glutamate In Vitro

Methodology for Biomimetic Chemical Neuromodulation of Rat Retinas with the Neurotransmitter Glutamate In Vitro

Published on: December 19, 2017

A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

A Standardized Obstacle Course for Assessment of Visual Function in Ultra Low Vision and Artificial Vision

Published on: February 11, 2014

Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted with a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis: Part 2 Epiretinal Implants with Retinal Tacks

Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted with a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis: Part 2 Epiretinal Implants with Retinal Tacks

Published on: February 14, 2015

Area of Science:

Ophthalmology
Biomedical Engineering
Neuroscience

Background:

Retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration cause severe visual dysfunction due to photoreceptor degeneration.
Artificial vision research aims to restore sight through methods like cortical stimulation and retinal implants.
Current advancements focus on improving artificial visual function for patients with blindness.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the current state and future potential of retinal implants for treating blindness.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of leading retinal implant devices.
To discuss the economic viability of these technologies based on quality of life improvements.

Main Methods:

Review of multicenter human trials for the Argus II and Alpha-IMS retinal implant devices.
Analysis of reported visual improvement and safety profiles.
Assessment of the impact of these devices on patients' vision-related quality of life.

Main Results:

The Argus II and Alpha-IMS retinal implants have shown encouraging results in human trials.
Both devices demonstrate acceptable safety profiles and provide visual improvement.
Current devices enhance quality of life but do not yet provide high-resolution vision for full functional recovery.

Conclusions:

Retinal implants represent a promising future treatment for blindness caused by photoreceptor degeneration.
Further technological advancements are needed to achieve higher visual acuity and functional restoration.
The potential for improved quality of life supports the economic argument for these devices, contingent on longevity.