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Geometrical scaling of the developing eye and photoreceptors and a possible relation to emmetropization and myopia
Author(s)
Date Issued
2021-12-01
Date Available
2022-08-15T15:19:23Z
Abstract
In this study the role of vergence in relation to age-dependent scaling of eye and photoreceptor parameters is studied. The underlying hypothesis is that the size and packing of outer segments is matched to the pupil size outdoors in photopic conditions. Vergence is analysed in relation to the angular spectrum of waves being incident using age-dependent data from the literature for the actual geometry and density of photoreceptor cones and rods. This approach is used to derive simple relations for the angular confinement of light along outer segments. Only with a small photopic pupil can leakage and crosstalk for both central and peripheral photoreceptors be entirely ruled out due to the finite length of the outer segments. A limiting 3 mm pupil size is found for children in the school age. Larger pupils will increase the likelihood of leakage and crosstalk that may therefore impact on emmetropization. This study has introduced a new paradigm in myopia research by considering vergence across the 3-D retina as being matched to the angular spectrum of waves being incident from the eye pupil. Emmetropization suggests a delicate balance between photoreceptor outer segment length and density in relation to pupil size. Only when balanced will leakage and crosstalk between adjacent outer segments be effectively suppressed thereby ensuring the highest possible light capture efficiency by visual pigments in the outer segments whether an image is formed on the retina or not.
Sponsorship
European Commission Horizon 2020
Type of Material
Journal Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal
Vision Research
Volume
189
Start Page
46
End Page
53
Copyright (Published Version)
2021 the Author
Language
English
Status of Item
Peer reviewed
ISSN
0042-6989
This item is made available under a Creative Commons License
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