Information Processing: Retinal Adaptation☆

Adaptation refers to the ability of the visual system to adjust to the prevailing conditions of light stimulation in order to maximize sensitivity, reduce the effect of noise, and prevent neural overload or saturation. Many forms of visual adaptation have been identified, occurring at multiple sites within the visual pathway. The types of adaptation that are thought to be retinal in origin are light adaptation, contrast adaptation, chromatic adaptation, and dark adaptation. This article discusses the characteristics of these forms of adaptation and briefly describes the retinal processes that are presumed to underlie them.