Abstract

Cone spectral sensitivity values proposed by Smith and Pokorny¹ have been used extensively to model visual function. Boynton and Wisowaty² have derived equations to fit these cone fundamentals to facilitate their use in computer modeling. The fitted functions represent spectral sensitivities at the cornea and incorporate inert absorption by the ocular media and macular pigment. We have used these functions to model the shifted spectral sensitivity of anomalous cones. The model calculates cone sensitivities at the retinal level by adding the inert density to the corneal sensitivities. Shifts of peak sensitivity are calculated and the inert densities are subtracted to again yield corneal cone sensitivity functions. Finally, opponent outputs are calculated. Significant irregularities or bumps appear in the short-wavelength tail of the shifted cone fundamental and in opponent model outputs. These irregularities are apparently not reflected in the visual performance of anomalous observers. An important question is raised concerning the detail of the short-wavelength spectral sensitivity of the middle- and long-wavelength cones.

© 1985 Optical Society of America