Why we see color in our peripheral vision?

Humans have specialized cone cells in their retinas that are responsible for color vision. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to a different range of wavelengths of light. These cones are concentrated in the central region of the retina, called the macula, and are less densely packed in the peripheral regions.

In the peripheral vision, the density of cones is lower, and the rods, which are more sensitive to low levels of light, become more abundant. Rods are not sensitive to color, so the peripheral vision is less sensitive to color compared to the central vision. However, there are still some cones present in the periphery, which allow us to perceive colors, albeit not as vividly or distinctly as in the central vision.

Therefore, we do see colors in our peripheral vision, but the color perception is less precise and may appear muted or less saturated. This phenomenon is related to the distribution and density of cone cells in the retina and the specialization of the macula for detailed and accurate color vision.