How Do Rats Eyes Work?
WouterRat eyes are similar to those of humans in many ways, including the way they see objects. Both have the same number of cones and a fifth cone for red vision. But there is one big difference: human eyes can distinguish red shades, while rat eyes cannot. In fact, the long-held belief that rats are colorblind has been disproved by new research. Researchers tested the sensitivity of rat retinas to red light in dark and light conditions.
Rats’ eyes also move in coordination with the position of their head. This allows them to see a wider area and stay safe from predators when in flight. The eyes are located at a 40-degree angle in the horizontal plane and 60 degrees in the vertical plane. As a result, their eyes are able to move in a manner that enables them to focus on the objects in front of them.
Rats’ eyes also differ from human eyes in their lens technology. While human lenses allow almost all visible light to pass through, rat lenses allow at least 50% of ultraviolet A light to pass through. This is a huge difference! The difference is apparent even when studying how rats see, despite their relatively small size.
A British team of researchers has successfully restored vision in blind rats by modifying the genes that produce the retinal pigmented epithelial cells. These cells are responsible for the nourishing layer of the eye. When this layer is damaged, the photoreceptors die.
