The phenomenon you’re describing is related to the distribution and types of photoreceptors in your retina. Here’s a brief explanation:
1. **Peripheral Vision**: Your retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye, has two main types of photoreceptors—rods and cones. Rods are more sensitive to low light levels and are concentrated around the edges of your retina, providing your peripheral vision. They help detect movement and shapes in dim light but aren’t good at distinguishing fine details or color.
2. **Central Vision**: Cones, on the other hand, are concentrated in the center of your retina, particularly in an area called the fovea. Cones are responsible for sharp, detailed central vision and color perception. When you focus directly on an object, you’re using your cones to see it clearly.
3. **Adaptation and Sensitivity**: When you see something in your peripheral vision, it’s often detected by the rods, which are sensitive to movement and low light. When you turn your focus to it, your cones take over. If the object is faint or not well-lit, it may become harder to see because cones are not as sensitive to low light as rods.
So, the transition from peripheral to central vision involves switching from rods to cones, which can result in the object seemingly disappearing or becoming less
visible.
Illphated