Photopic vision refers to seeing in bright light , when the cones in the retina are active. This is normal daytime vision and allows for sharp detail and color perception .
Features of photopic vision:
- Color vision : Cones are responsible for perceiving colors (red, green, and blue).
- High sharpness : The resolution is highest especially in the fovea (center of the retina).
- Low light sensitivity : Cones only function in sufficient light and are less sensitive than rods.
- Maximum sensitivity around 555 nm (green-yellow) : This explains why green-yellow light appears brightest in daylight.
Photopic vision is the opposite of scotopic vision (night vision), where the rods take over in the dark and only shades of gray are perceived.
There is also an intermediate form: mesopic vision , in which both cones and rods are active (for example in dim light).