Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2025

Visualizing Visual Adaptation
Published on: April 24, 2017
Is melanopsin activation affecting large field color-matching functions?
Abstract:
Color theory is based on the exclusive activation of cones. However, since the discovery of melanopsin expressing cells in the human retina, evidence of its intrusion in brightness and color vision is increasing. We aimed to assess if differences between peripheral or large field and foveal color matches can be accounted for by melanopsin activation or rod intrusion. Photopic color matches by young observers showed that differences between extrafoveal and foveal results cannot be explained by rod intrusion. Furthermore, statistical analyses on existing color-matching functions suggest a role of melanopsin activation, particularly, in large field S fundamentals.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Photoreceptors and Visual Pathways
Anatomy of the Eyeball
Color Vision
The Retina
Vision
Channel Rhodopsins
Rhodopsins belong to the family of cell surface proteins called G-protein coupled receptors,...

