MadSci Network: General Biology
Query:

Re: Is there a connection between blind spots and vision?

Date: Wed Jun 14 21:00:47 2000
Posted By: Kenneth Mitton, Post-doc/Fellow, Molecular Development Retina, Cataract, Dept Ophthalmology / U. Mich
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 960433631.Gb
Message:

We all have a blindspot in our vision, that is normally fairly small and occurs just to the outside of the center of our vision. It is quite normal and is simply dut to the fact that the optic nerve that "wires" the retinal photoreceptor cells to our brains has to go into your eyeball somewhere. Where the optic nerve enters the eye, there are no photoreceptor cells. Since those cells are the light-detecting cells, you have a blindspot there.

Blindspots would be something to worry about if they occured in other places they are not supposed to be.. such as in your upper or lower visual fields. "new" blindspots would indicate a visit to the eye doctor is a good idea.

Blindspots in your periferal vision, are not too devastating. However, blindspots in the middle of your vision, the central vision, are a problem. For that is where you have a high density of photoreceptor cells and your detailed vision. The vision you use to read, move about etc.

Some eye diseased cause blindspots, and you can read more about them at:

Eye Research Network

Kenneth Mitton, PhD Kellogg Eye Center - University of Michigan


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