What is the major function of rods in eye?

Rods are specialized photoreceptor cells in the eye that are responsible for vision in low-light conditions. Here are some of the key functions of rods:

Dim Light Vision: Rods are highly sensitive to low levels of light, allowing us to see in dimly lit environments. They function best in mesopic (low-light) and scotopic (very low-light) conditions.

Motion Detection: Rods are particularly sensitive to movement. They help us perceive motion and detect changes in the visual field, even in low-light conditions.

Peripheral vision: Rods are concentrated in the peripheral areas of the retina, which is the innermost layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells. The high density of rods in the periphery enhances our ability to see objects and movement outside our central field of vision.

Night Vision: Rods are crucial for night vision and dark adaptation. When moving from a brightly lit environment to a dark one, the rods take over the task of vision and allow our eyes to adjust to the reduced light levels. This process can take several minutes, which is why it takes some time for our eyes to fully adapt to darkness.

Color Vision: Unlike cones, rods do not contribute to color vision. They contain a single type of photosensitive pigment called rhodopsin, which is responsible for detecting dim light and is less sensitive to color variations.

Visual Adaptation: Rods help us adapt to changes in light intensity. When light levels increase, rods become less active, and cones take over the primary role of vision. On the other hand, in low-light conditions, rods become more active, allowing us to see in dim environments.

It's important to note that rods are not as sharp or detailed as cones in terms of visual acuity and resolution. However, their sensitivity to low light is vital for our ability to navigate and see in dimly lit conditions, providing us with functional vision in dark environments.