ABSORPTION OF VISIBLE LIGHT BY THE REFRACTIVE MEDIA OF THE HUMAN EYE

Quantitative data on the absorption of visible light by the refractive media of the human eye 1 would seem to be important from many points of view. Thus the data may be used for (1) the correction of the photopic ocular visibility curve to a photopic retinal visibility curve, (2) the correction of a scotopic ocular visibility curve to a scotopic retinal visibility curve, (3) a comparison of the absorption spectrum of visual purple with the sensitivity of the eye and (4) the evaluation of various facts and theories concerning vision and color vision. Since an examination of the literature indicated that there were no adequate data available on the absorption spectrum of the ocular media for light of visible wavelengths, we decided that these data should be obtained. Accordingly, about three years ago we set up apparatus, with the aid of which we have determined the combined absorption characteristics