Credit: Edward H. Adelson Take a look at the square on the left side of the photo above. Does the color of tile A appear darker than the color of tile B? It turns out that both tiles are the same color. Don’t believe me? Look at the square on the right side to what … Continue reading Seeing Isn’t Always Believing: Exploring Optical Illusions
Vision
Night Vision: It’s All about the Rods
Credit: iStock/Bhupi Have you ever wondered how you can see at night? Or why the same picture looks different in the dark versus daylight? It has to do with a type of photoreceptor in your eyes called “rods.” Your eyes have different types of receptors that let you see light. Each type is responsible for … Continue reading Night Vision: It’s All about the Rods
Spotlight On: Vision
Credit: iStock If you’re reading this article, you can thank the crafty and tireless work of evolution. While we may take vision for granted as a simple and straightforward process, how we see is not so simple at all. How we see While the evolution of sight—from a primitive eyespot that could only discriminate between … Continue reading Spotlight On: Vision
Seeing Clearly: How Sun Exposure Increases Your Cataract Risk
During the long, hot days of summer, you may find yourself reaching for your sunglasses to block the glare from the sun’s rays. You may not realize that donning shades does more for your eye health than just make it more comfortable to see. Blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is good for … Continue reading Seeing Clearly: How Sun Exposure Increases Your Cataract Risk
The Rocket’s Red Glare: Eye Damage and Fireworks
The warm weather of July, smell of hot dogs on the grill and the “rocket’s red glare” of fireworks in the sky make Independence Day a favorite holiday for many people. Fireworks have been around for centuries and originated in China. Saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal combined in paper tubes were some of the world’s first … Continue reading The Rocket’s Red Glare: Eye Damage and Fireworks
When You Can’t ‘Spy’ with Your Eye Anymore
Many of us take our ability to read this blog or see the faces of our families and friends for granted. For the 10–15 million Americans with a disease called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), however, the loss of this ability is a daily and devastating reality. AMD is the most common cause of blindness in … Continue reading When You Can’t ‘Spy’ with Your Eye Anymore