OCCHIO E VISIONE: MERAVIGLIA DELLA NATURA O PROGETTO DIFETTOSO?

Abstract

The behavior of the human visual system exhibits some flaws, including monochromatic and chromatic aberrations, finite dynamic range, limited spatial and temporal resolution. Why did it evolve this way? Can it be improved somehow, for example with the support of technology? The answer is obtained from a neuro-physical model developed by the author, which provides quantitative estimates of the optical and visual performances of the human eye, in agreement with experimental records. The conclusion, based on the principle of utility, is that the evolutionary design of the visual system is perfectly tailored for the primary survival needs of our primitive ancestors in daylight illumination, and it can hardly be improved with the help of human technology.