Cone interaction occurs in the parafovea under pi 4 stimulus conditions

This study shows that stimulus parameters that isolate Stiles' pi 4 mechanism at the fovea do not isolate pi 4 parafoveally. Instead, the parafoveal test sensitivity peaks at 520 nm and is relatively depressed at longer wavelengths. This narrowed spectral sensitivity is not due to rod intrusion or interaction but rather suggests cone interaction for a relatively wide range of spatial and temporal parameters. The anomalous shape of the parafoveal spectral sensitivity is not found in a protanope, further supporting the view that the effect seen in normal trichromats is the result of interaction between L and M cones. The study provides a unifying explanation for discrepant results by investigators studying the chromatic properties of spatial sensitization and the contrast after-flash effect. Foveal studies found independence of pi mechanisms while parafoveal studies found interaction. The present study emphasizes the importance of retinal eccentricity on color threshold experiments.