Abstract

The photoreceptors of the human retina are normally aligned such that their long axis points toward the center of the pupil (Stiles; Enoch and Laties). This alignment probably serves several functions. It optimizes sensitivity to light entering the center of the pupil, it decreases sensitivity to intraocular stray light, and may improve the resolution of the eye by apodizing the pupil. Cone photoreceptor alignment is affected by a number of retinal diseases (Enoch, Smith and Pokorny), and has been shown to be related to exudative maculopathy (Smith et al). However, clinical investigation of the relation between photoreceptor alignment and retinal disease has been impeded both by the difficulty of the measurement techniques available and the large investment of patient time required to make measurements.

© 1995 Optical Society of America