The Senescence of Human Vision

Part 1 Theories: senescence - is it definable? ideas on senescence is senescence planned? organ-based concepts of senescence cellular senescence from senescent cells to genes for ageing. Part 2 The retinal image: image homoeostasis a brief survey of the optics of the eye static refraction accommodation a possible evolutionary pressure absorption and diffusion lenticular absorption of light absorption and environment lenticular fluorescence scattering of light cataract. Part 3 Retinal senescence: losses in the brain further remarks on retinal vasculature age and the retinal photoreceptors the macular pigment other retinal cells Bruch's membrane the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) non-visual effects of visible radiations age-related macular complications. Part 4 Senescent vision: absolute visual thresholds incremental thresholds, with special reference to short-wavelength stimuli spectral sensitivity the visual field glare, light adaptation and related effects contrast sensitivity spatial and temporal parameters colour vision. Part 5 Coda - correlation or coincidence?: vital statistics an anthropological aside what limits life? limiting functions the endpoint: is senescence programmed?