THE COURSE OF ROD DARK ADAPTATION AS INFLUENCED BY THE INTENSITY AND DURATION OF PRE-ADAPTATION TO LIGHT

Abstract

An increase in the degree of light adaptation causes a decrease in the slope of the subsequent rod dark adaptation function and a displacement of the function to the right on the time axis. Over a wide range, these changes occur to the same extent whether the increase in the degree of light adaptation is produced by raising the intensity or by prolonging the exposure. Within these limits, the Bunsen-Roscoe reciprocity law applies to the intensity and duration of pre-exposure. Over a still wider range, dark adaptation has the same course following brief exposure to a bright light as it has following prolonged exposure to a dim light, provided the degree of light adaptation is the same in both instances (as indicated by identical initial dark adaptation thresholds).